LIFELONG Celtic supporter, Aaron Connolly has chosen Paradise as the starting point for his Walk and Talk initiative, as he plans to lead a group of fans from Celtic Park to the Fountain of Youth Stadium, ahead of the SPFL encounter with Hamilton Accies, on Sunday, February 2.

Through their efforts, the group will be raising awareness of and funds to support Celtic FC Foundation’s You’ll Never Talk Alone project.

You’ll Never Talk Alone was officially launched on December 5, with over 100 guests in attendance at Celtic Park’s Number 7 restaurant and it’s scheduled to take place on a monthly basis. The project strives to tackle the growing issue of loneliness and provides a warm welcome and an opportunity to socialise and make new friends, while enjoying a three-course meal and live entertainment.

In addition to this, Aaron is also aiming to raise awareness of Time to Tackle, another initiative close to his heart. Aaron and his wife Siobhan facilitate Time to Tackle, which aims to promote positive mental health, in a group setting, through the power of football.

Aaron explained: “We started Time to Tackle as a community football therapy group to tackle stigmas, poor mental and physical health and social isolation. Having attempted to take my own life in April of last year, I felt that I had to do more for others who were in a similar situation.”

Like many people, football was Aaron’s first love and offered him an escape during the difficult periods of his life. He has continued to promote football as a means of hope for others, through Time to Tackle, by bringing together people who have experienced similar challenges, to enjoy a free game of football, in a safe group environment where they can talk and socialise.

Following the success of Time to Tackle, Aaron decided that he would like to support Celtic FC Foundation’s You’ll Never Talk Alone project, by fundraising through his Walk and Talk initiative.

Aaron added: “Walk and Talk gives us the perfect platform to raise money for Celtic FC Foundation, who are doing such great work to carry on the Club’s charitable ethos.

“It’s a concept I picked up from Fulham fans who have been walking and talking to away grounds for five years, raising awareness of poor mental health. I joined them on New Year’s Eve to walk 43 miles, sharing experiences and creating friendships.

“I hope that our walk on February 2 is the first of many to away grounds in Scotland and, as well as raising awareness, we can hopefully raise plenty of funds for Celtic FC Foundation at the same time.”

There is still time to register to take part HERE. Walkers will set off at around 8am on February 2 and arrive at Hamilton Accies’ stadium in time for the 12.30pm kick-off (match tickets not included through participation). Alternatively, if you cannot take part but would like to support the group’s efforts, you can donate HERE.

Walk and Talk from Paradise to Hamilton in support of Foundation