Eddie Izzard

Stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard took part in a marathon-length walk alongside former Crystal Palace football players and 130 Eagles fans to raise more than £60,000 for the club’s official charity, Palace for Life Foundation.

The Marathon March, powered by Utilita, was raising money to support vulnerable young south Londoners, in particular those who have been affected by the pandemic.

One of the projects is the Autumn Extravaganza, a holiday camp to offer young people a safe place to enjoy sport and other activities during October half-term.

Children will be provided with a healthy lunch each day and take part in workshops about positive mental health and nutrition.

The walkers completed the Palace for Life Marathon March in socially distanced groups of six, setting off from Selhurst Park on October 10 to walk 26.2 miles.

Izzard, a lifelong Crystal Palace fan said: “This is my first full Marathon March so I’m loving it, normally I’m running marathons, but this was actually very hard work. It’s been great going all around the area and knowing that we’re helping kids.”

Palace for Life Foundation Chair Ed Warner said: “We really didn’t know if people would want to take part this year but what we’ve seen is a fantastic commitment to the Palace for Life cause. People want to do something positive this year, for themselves and for society.”

A number of different groups took part in the event with Palace legend and Head of Under-23 Development Mark Bright,

taking part for the third year running. Fundraising Officer at Palace for Life Foundation Tash Stephens, who led the organisation of the event, added: “It’s been brilliant to bring Palace fans back here to Selhurst Park for the first time in months, we’re just so happy to have got our fourth Marathon March done, especially in these circumstances.”