Stalwart Barnard Castle Rugby Club supporter’s trek to raise £1,000 for rugby club

A STALWART supporter of Barnard Castle Rugby Club is planning to end the season in style – by raising £1,000.

Graeme Kitching, centre, chats to Barnard Castle RUFC
chairman David Jackson, right, and fellow supporter Adam Bellwood

Graeme Kitching has been a regular fixture on the touchline at Barney games home and away for more than 25 years.
He plans to walk the 22 miles from Langdon Beck to the club’s ground at the Demesnes, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, April 22, in time for kick-off at the final game of the season.
Barney will play fellow Durham Northumberland 1 high fliers South Shields Westoe and the game could be a promotion decider between the two sides.
Mr Kitching said the money raised would be used to buy equipment for use by all playing sections of the club.
“I have watched them for more than 25 years and I come down and enjoy it,” he said. “I have never put anything back into the club, so I thought I would do my bit.”
Mr Kitching, 69, will be joined on the walk by son Martin, a former Barney 1st XV player.
Although he never played competitive rugby, Mr Kitching is well known as a former cricketer who, during his playing days, turned out for Barnard Castle and then as wicket keeper for Ingleton, in the Darlington and District League.
Barnard Castle RUFC director of rugby Dave Bottoms described Mr Kitching’s walk as a “great effort” and said he hoped it was well supported.
He said Mr Kitching was a shining example of commitment to the club.
Anyone who would like to support Mr Kitching's walk can do so online at www.just giving.com/crowdfunding/ graeme-kitching