The footballing world was rocked in March last year when the passing of 32-year-old Collins, who was captain of Yeovil Town at the time, had passed. An inquest in late summer heard that the father and talismanic defender had taken his own life.
Collins’ footballing journey all started in gold and black, with the Telford-born centre-half having come up through the junior ranks at Molineux and captaining the under-18s to the FA Youth Cup semi-final in 2005 before signing professional terms with Wolves.
During a professional career which spanned 14 years, Collins made more than 400 appearances, with spells at Port Vale, Northampton Town, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers and Yeovil.
Between May 1st and 7th, about 50 Yeovil supporters and keen cyclists will remember the life and achievements of Collins during Get Pedalling 22 #Miles4Minds, tackling 500 miles around the country and taking in the defenders former teams en-route.
Starting and finishing at Huish Park – in time for the Glovers’ final Vanarama National League clash of the season, against Boreham Wood – the group have set a fundraising total of £50,000 for Mind in Somerset. In-keeping with Collins’ former Yeovil squad number 4, each cyclist has committed to raising at least £444.
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, campaigning to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Event committee member, cyclist and lifelong Glover, Ben Tupman, said: “Lee’s passing was a truly heart-breaking and deeply saddening time for everyone in the football world.
“His stature both on and off the pitch, and both in the game and outside of it cannot be underestimated – our number 4 was idolised by fans young and old, and earned immense respect at every club he played.
“Regardless of any turmoil or controversy currently surrounding Yeovil Town, the supporters are one community and one big family. #Miles4Minds is an opportunity for that family to unite with the wider footballing community, to remember our captain and support an incredible cause in the process.
“The past two years have been the most challenging for a generation and never have mental health issues been in such stark focus. Mind offers an incredible service and as well as supporting their fantastic work we want to raise awareness of MH issues – it’s very much ok to not be ok.”
Kicking off in Somerset, the route intends to cover:
- Day one – Yeovil to Swindon (79 miles)
- Day two – Swindon to Northampton (74 miles)
- Day three – Northampton to Mansfield (80 miles)
- Day four – Mansfield to Stafford (72 miles)
- Day five – Stafford to Tewkesbury (76 miles)
- Day six – Tewkesbury to Portishead (65 miles)
- Day seven – Portishead to Yeovil (49 miles)
Ben added: “Having been involved in previous Yeovil Town fan cycle events, it’s great that we’ve got another planned, this one with particular poignancy.
“We have to thank our generous sponsors so far for their support to make the event possible – thank you to Jones Building Group, Westbury Packaging, Garador and We Do Vans.”
For further information contact ytfccycle@gmail.com / James@jrhmedia.co.uk or twitter @get_pedalling
