'Die-hard' Owl, 6, organises bike ride to boost famous Sheffield Wednesday fan's campaign
A young footballer has raised thousands of pounds for a campaign to put defibrillators in all football stadiums
A young Sheffield Wednesday fan is taking on a charity bike ride after raising thousands of pounds for a campaign set up in memory of an Owls daughter.
Corby Otter, aged 6, is a ‘die-hard Sheffield Wednesday fan’, according to his mum, Leanne Otter.
Corby, who has a visual impairment, initially hoped to raise £250 for specialist sports goggles so he could continue playing football.
But after smashing the target within three hours, he decided to donate more than £3,000 of the extra money raised to Lauren’s Legacy and its One In Every Corner campaign.
The campaign aims to fund defibrillators for every corner of football stadiums and sporting arenas across the country.
Lauren Walker died following an illness in 2023 aged 29, prompting her dad, lifelong Sheffield Wednesday supporter Paul Gregory to launch the Lauren’s Legacy campaign.
Paul, known as famous Owls fan Tango, said at the time that the campaign would help save lives - while keeping Lauren’s memory alive through the installation of defibrillators at football grounds and sporting venues.
Now, young footballer Corby Otter, goalkeeper for Mexborough Knights and a fellow Wednesday fan, is helping support the cause after his own fundraiser exceeded expectations.
“I wanted to raise money for my own sports goggles, and if I made more money it could go to Lauren’s Legacy because it helps save people’s lives,” Corby said.
As part of his fundraising efforts, the young goalkeeper is now preparing for a 6.25-mile (10km) charity bike ride around Rother Valley Country Park on 29 May.
Corby admitted the start of the challenge could be “a bit tricky” but said he was determined to complete it, adding: “I’ll have some breaks.”
His father, David, said the family were incredibly proud of him.
“He is such a kind boy who just wants to do his best and support this fellow Wednesday fan,” he said.
Corby has now raised a total of £3,470 for the Sheffield Wednesday-linked campaign.