YOUNG Forest fans gathered at the weekend for a charity walk founded by a former club star.
Organisers hoped to raise £2,500, which they said they had already smashed by midday.
Children aged two to 12 met at the Brian Clough statue in the city centre for the sponsored ramble to the City Ground yesterday.
They were raising money for the Luey Jacob Sharp Foundation, a charity set up by former Nottingham Forest loan player Billy Sharp in 2012.
The LJS Foundation helps fund research towards combating gastroschisis, a potentially fatal birth defect that affects one in 2,000 babies in some areas of the UK.
Billy's son, Luey Jacob, died from gastroschisis in 2011 only two days after he was born.
Around 40 children, alongside relatives, took part in the walk from the statue to City Ground.
The walk was followed by a reception at Bombay Bridgford restaurant on Radcliffe Road.
Rio Hill, who organised the walk with fellow Forest fan Melissa Bell, said they hoped it would encourage more kids to take part in charity events.
She said: "We want them to get involved at as early an age as possible.
"When Billy's son died, it touched a lot of our hearts."
Melissa, who helped lead the walk, said she was moved when she first heard the story.
She said: "I'm a mother myself and I felt sympathy for them.
"This is about raising awareness, as not a lot of people know what gastroschisis is.
"The more money we raise, the more lives we can save."
Among the families attending were the Nicholsons. Not only are they Forest fans but they have also been tragically affected by the condition.
Mum Leanne, 28, of Welsh Avenue, Stapleford, said it had been great to see so many people come out in support.
She said: "We lost a little boy because of it. He was stillborn.
"It's really good that so many people are on board."
Her son, 12-year-old Finley, said giving something back had made him feel great.
He said: "We even got to visit Hooters for some photos.
"My little brother died because of the same thing. It feels awesome that we did something for this charity."
To find out more about the foundation and how to make a donation, visit www.ljsfoundation.org.uk
