### Cardiff Man Embarks on 150-Mile Trek to Liverpool for Landmark Premier League Celebration
While fans from across the UK are making plans to descend on Liverpool for the club’s anticipated Premier League trophy parade this bank holiday, one supporter is taking his dedication far beyond the ordinary. Luke Higgins, a father of two from Llanedyrn, Cardiff, has committed to walking more than 150 miles from his hometown to Anfield, fuelled by both his passion for Liverpool FC and a desire to support mental health causes.
Setting off on Wednesday morning, Luke’s mission is ambitious, with the journey expected to span over three days and take considerable determination. The origin of this adventure was, in fact, a casual joke among friends, but what began as banter swiftly evolved into a significant personal challenge and fundraising effort. With his backpack loaded with essentials—a sleeping bag, spare trainers, and a camera to document the journey—Luke left Cardiff just after midday.
The walk, initially planned as a solo undertaking, soon gained a companion. Luke’s friend Charlie Manley made a surprise appearance just as he was about to set out, rucksack in hand, declaring his intention to join the trek. Buoyed by mutual encouragement and the cheers of thousands tracking their progress online, the pair started their long route from Pentwyn, brimming with optimism.
A well-known face in local communities thanks to his social media presence, Luke has used these platforms to connect with others after a period out of work and single parenting. His original idea was to livestream the walk mainly for fun and personal profile-building. However, the prospect took a meaningful turn when a follower pledged a substantial donation to a charity of Luke’s choice, should he complete the 150-mile challenge.
Inspired by his own experiences with mental health struggles, Luke opted to support MIND, a prominent mental health charity in the UK. His goal is to raise at least £1,500 through his efforts, adding an extra layer of purpose to his arduous journey. As he took his first steps out of Cardiff, Luke admitted to feeling a powerful blend of excitement and emotion, reflecting on how personal the cause was for him.
Remarkably, the undertaking has involved little to no physical preparation. Luke confessed to making the decision only a week earlier, leaving little time for training or route planning. “I haven’t done any planning or training. I just decided I was going to do it last week,” he shared candidly. His only plan for rest is to take breaks when needed—sleeping where he must, even outdoors, if necessary. Despite the physical uncertainty, Luke insists that giving up is not an option.
Although Luke’s family and friends have been supportive, some have openly questioned his sanity. His 17-year-old son labelled the venture “crazy”, while his brother commented via social media about Luke’s fondness for bold stunts, calling this escapade perhaps his wildest yet.
Within the first five hours, the pair encountered their first lessons. After a stint walking in Crocs resulted in discomfort, Luke switched to more practical trainers, which made the going easier. Later, a chance encounter with police forced them to alter their planned route for safety reasons, but neither logistical setbacks nor aching muscles dimmed their resolve.
Response from the online community has been overwhelmingly supportive, with messages of encouragement pouring in both virtually and from passing motorists. Luke’s live streams have generated a buzz, not just among local fans, but with supporters well beyond Wales, demonstrating the unifying nature of football—and community spirit—at its finest.
As Luke and Charlie continue their journey north, their efforts spotlight both the lengths to which football fans will go for their teams and the importance of supporting mental health. The public can follow their progress in real-time via Facebook, where Luke posts updates—and for those inspired, donations to his fundraising campaign for MIND remain open.
Whether or not Liverpool’s victory parade lives up to expectations, one thing is certain: for these intrepid fans, the journey itself has become just as significant as the destination.