--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-10-26T12:44:14.658Z last_updated: 2026-10-26T03:30:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/southampton/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGFpbHllY2hvLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvMjY2NTkwNDQudGVuLXllYXItb2xkLXdhbGstbWFyYXRob24tc2FpbnRzLz9yZWY9cnNz --- # Saints stars back 10-year-old - **Source:** - **Published:** 26 Oct - **Club:** Southampton - **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/26659044.ten-year-old-walk-marathon-saints/?ref=rss 0 Comments Skip to next photo 1/1 Show caption 1/1 Share 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A ten-year-old is taking on a marathon walk around St Mary's stadium on Monday, as Saints stars back the fundraising challenge. Jude Swanborough is raising money for the Saints Foundation by walking the circumference of St Mary's stadium 122 times with support from friends, family and Saints stars. His fundraiser has exceeded it's £3,000 target, and Jude is now aiming for £4,000 before the challenge next Monday. Saints stars Tonda Eckert and Matt Le Tissier have sent him encouraging messages and videos ahead of the event which will take place next Monday. Jude said: "I chose the Saints Foundation because they give people opportunities to make their lives better. "They help people in our communities and support people like me to build positive relationships." Jude said he wanted to combine his interest in the sport with a challenge that would help others. He and his mum, Laura Walker, have spent the past two months preparing for the challenge. They began with shorter walks of between seven and ten miles before progressing to 12 and then 13 miles. Father to run three marathons in three weeks in memory of son New Forest insurer donates thousands to hospice Care home team climbs Snowdon to raise funds for British Heart Foundation Laura said Jude had even cleaned and sold his old football boots to put money towards the foundation. She said: "Me and his dad are going to be with him on the day, and we do it together." Jude added: "I've been enjoying the walks, and now I'm ready and excited." "I feel really proud of myself." Jazz Bhatti, 48, Head of Partnerships at Saints Foundation, described Jude's fundraising efforts as "absolutely phenomenal and incredible." He said: "Jude has really led the charge, and we're just really grateful that he's chosen us as a charity to do this with. "We can see nothing but great things happening for Jude To do this at the age of ten is absolutely phenomenal and we want to do whatever we can to support him." Jazz Bhatti, 48, and Jude Swanborough, 10 (Image: Xavi Straw) Jazz said the Saints Foundation supports people from childhood into old age, through school, healthcare, equality and rehabilitation programmes. He said the charity works with prisoners, isolated older people and school pupils, helping strengthen communities across Southampton.