Lofty And The Lads On An Outing With A Difference

Phil Parkes is taking part in tomorrow’s Race For Life in Wolverhampton – but will be paying no attention to the clock!

The much-loved keeper will be striding out among the crowds in West Park, barely a couple of hefty goal-kicks from where he earned his living for a decade and a half with Wolves.

He and friends from the ECC Club in Wolverhampton have agreed to participate in the popular annual event and are hoping the experience will be smooth.

“We could do without it being very hot and we really don’t want any of the storms that have been mentioned,” Parkes said. “Something more comfortable in between would be nice.

“I’m told the course is getting on for 3.5 miles and I’m looking forward to it and to being part of a super community event.

“We’ll go very much at our own pace and leave the runners to do their own thing. I haven’t done any training as such but I get out on foot most days anyway.

“I usually walk from Fordhouses down to Gregg’s in the Three Tuns area and sit outside having a coffee and a read of the paper.

“There’s a new supermarket around there as well where I pick up some shopping, so I am not going into this without any sort of preparation.”

This is the 30th year of Cancer Research’s Run For Life and there is a special reason for the Parkes family to be supporting it after Phil’s wife, Maureen, died of the disease.

“Our son, Greg, is taking part as well and has been promised sponsorship of more than £1,000,” Lofty added. “We had another get-together of the Wolves lads at The Fox a week or so ago and they were kind in backing me, otherwise I’m no good at asking people.

“What we raise will be going to the McMillan Nurses, which I’m sure everyone sees as a good cause.”

For those who wish to go along and give Lofty and the other participants a cheer, the starting gun goes off at 11am – please be mindful of possible journey disruption, though, from Cosford Air Show. And https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/gregs-race-for-life-2034?fbclid=IwAR0Sopp6SLO844m7hSsKu1YAsJqw-kJLpG1_jQf7BHo_YVREjTeE-42a5Rc is the link for those who wish to support the family financially in their charitable efforts.