Alan ‘The Birch’ Birchenall was cheered on from all four corners at King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Leicester City’s much-loved Club Ambassador completed his 37th annual end of season run.
Even before the events of this January, however, his fundraising efforts from previous runs has meant that defibrillators have already been distributed across the city and county. This year, every single penny raised for the LCFC Foxes Foundation will go towards continuing that valuable work.
In typical Birch fashion, he completed the final lap to the tune of 1977 Bee Gees hit ‘Stayin’ Alive’ ahead of the 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth. Among those supporting him on Filbert Way were TV personality and City fan Manish Bhasin while Vice-Chairman Top Srivaddhanaprabha also took part.
Meanwhile, City fan Dylan , 6, was the youngest participant on Filbert Way having raised over £800 for the cause on his JustGiving page this month.
Speaking to LCFC Radio, the Birch said: “This all means so much to me so I would like to thank each and every Leicester City supporter for their generosity. This is my home. Both here and at Filbert Street. It’s no more my Club than the other City fans, but anyone who knows me, knows that this is my life.
“I wasn’t born here, I was adopted into the Club. The fans have been wonderful and it’s been quite emotional these last four months. I’m not an emotional sort of guy but you have your moments. This has been special but the main thing is raising the money.
"I want to thank the Club for allowing all the proceeds to go to making sure equipment is sent across the city. Also, all the people who have joined me on the run today because many of them have donated £500 just to be here.
"It’s our 37th year and I’d like to make 50 - but I think that’s probably out of my grasp!”
