Bereaved family 'amazed' at community support
A father who will walk 70 miles between two football stadiums in memory of his son says he "can't believe" the support the community has shown to his family.Richard Abrahams, from East Hunsbury, Northampton, will walk from Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium to West Ham, the club he supports, to raise money for two charities in honour of his son Luke.Luke died aged 20 in January 2023 from sepsis and necrotising fasciitis.Mr Abrahams said: "We still can't believe the amount of support [we have had]. It's been amazing."
Luke was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis and then with sciatica after developing leg pain.His condition worsened, and he was taken to hospital on 22 January, where doctors discovered the full extent of his illness.In a attempt to save him, his leg was amputated, but he died the next day.His death was originally recorded as being down to natural causes, and no inquest was scheduled.However, after his family got legal assistance, the coroner agreed to hold a hearing.The inquest opened and adjourned in November 2024, with the next hearing set for June.
'We have a goal'
The walk, called Luke's Legacy, aims to raise £1,200 for The UK Sepsis Trust and The Lee Spark NF Foundation.Mr Abrahams will begin his 70-mile (about 110km) journey on 5 May, with the trek expected to take three days.He will be joined by Luke's friend Martin Mcbrien.Despite his own health challenges, he remains determined."I have a couple of false hips, but they're not going to hold me back. We have a goal, and we're going to do it," he said.The walk is set to finish at the London Stadium, where Mr Abrahams hopes to be welcomed on to the pitch. "If not, the club shop will be the finish line," he added.
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