Walk 9 and 10 The festive period always means several games crammed into a short space of time in the footballing calendar and that meant I had two walks within a week over the Christmas break.

Firstly, walk 9 was for Celtic’s home game vs Ross County on the 23rd of December and for the first time I was walking alone. When the fixture list was published, I saved this fixture for a solo walk as I know how busy everyone is in the run up to Christmas, time off that we all take for granted with our family and friends. However, the team at the Hospice don’t always have this time off, due to work commitments, but they ensure the amazing service they provide doesn’t faulter, so I dedicate this walk to each of them who ensure the amazing work of the Hospice continues whilst others have the opportunity of a few days off.

Once again, the weather was kind to me, and I completed the walk in the usual time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Walk 10 followed very quickly on the 30th of December. Celtic were up against Dundee United and I could think of no one better to join me than my friend, John Gunn. John, who has recently had a book published, is an ex-referee and also a Dundee United supporter and in the past 5 years we have really gotten to know one another. Thankfully John shared all his tales from his book, Tales from the Touchline, so I don’t have to pretend I have read it.

We were also joined by my dad, Brian Haughey Snr, for the walk as he had been challenged by Martin McHugh to complete 3 walks over the season, I am proud to confirm that was his third walk and he has now pledged to complete 4 but is waiting on Mr McHugh to confirm a date to join him.

We all shared some great stories on the walk and had a real laugh doing it, the weather may have been colder than what I was used to however the walk was really enjoyable and I thank both John and Brian Snr for joining me. We all agreed that what we were doing is easy compared to the work carried out by everyone at the Hospice.

Once again, I want to thank you all for your support and sponsorship as I reach the halfway point of my planned 20 walks this season. All being well, the final walk of the season will be to Cathkin Braes Golf Club for the 2021 Andy Cameron Classic, however I have 9 more to complete before then.

My next walk sees me joined by the fabulous Nicole McKeown on the 9th of January.

Finally, I want to wish you all a Safe and Happy New Year. Stay safe.

Brian

Anyone interested can purchase a copy of John’s book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Touchline-Football-Memories-Referee/dp/1785318187

You can donate to Brian’s Challenge now