Maldon & Tiptree fans to walk 12 miles in memory of club volunteer

Charitable - Jammers fans on a previous fundraiser walk. (Credit: JFA)

Maldon and Tiptree football fans are lacing up their boots for a special 12-mile walk, to raise money for two charities close to their hearts.

Members of the Jammers Fans Association, which supports Maldon & Tiptree Football Club, will walk from Tiptree to the stadium in Park Drive, Maldon, tomorrow (April 12).

They are taking on the challenge in aid of mental health charity Mid and North East Essex Mind, along with DEBRA, a national charity supporting those living with Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Also known as “butterfly skin”, it is a rare and incredibly painful skin blistering condition.

Jammers fan Richard Buckby told Caroline Coastal: “We’re just trying to play our small part to make a big difference if we possibly can.

“That’s both in the local community and the football club itself, which is going through quite an exciting time at the moment.”

Participants will begin at the Tiptree Jam Factory and finish at the Maldon and Tiptree Football Club.

The fundraiser is being held in memory of Darren “Dazza” Gibbons, a beloved club volunteer who passed away in a tragic accident in 2022.

In memory - the late Jammers fan and club volunteer Darren Gibbons. (Credit: Maldon & Tiptree FC)

Their efforts are inspired by Dazza’s memory, as their friend lived with the condition which DEBRA works to support people with.

Mr Buckby also hopes the walk will raise awareness and challenge “taboos” surrounding men’s mental health.

He added: “Mental health is a big issue, especially among men. We know it’s still a taboo subject, but we’re trying to help break that stigma.

“If we can help just one person who may be struggling with mental health challenges in whatever form that may be, then for us, we've really done our bit.”

In the wake of Maldon and Tiptree FC’s recent takeover, Mr Buckby also praised the club’s new ownership.

He said: “It's brilliant - not only for the club, but for the local area.

“The new leadership team at the club has been incredible.

“Barry and Scott Drewitt-Barlow are passionate about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what this walk is about too.”

The Jammers Fans Association boasts nearly 100 members and works to boost inclusivity, engagement, and support for Maldon & Tiptree FC - both on and off the pitch.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com/page/jfawalk-2025