In December 2023 the Ross family suffered unimaginable tragedy when they lost their daughter and sister, Lydia, in a car accident.

Lydia was a huge Ballymena Utd fan and part of our small group who attend games and sit together, Block F being where we sit and the name of our small unofficial supporters club.

Since losing his youngest daughter who he attended every home and away game with, Lydia's father Paul has been on a fundraising mission, raising vital funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in memory of Lydia. Paul has organized the sale of small blue ribbon badges at Irish league games across the country, as well as further afield. On top of that he organized 8 local celebrities to play 4 rounds of golf in one day again raising money for this vital charity service.

Now as a group of friends we wanted to do something to contribute to Paul's efforts. That's were the 'Derby Day Dander' idea came from. Ballymena Utd are away to rivals Coleraine FC on the 20th February 2026, and our aim is to walk from Ballymena Showgrounds to Coleraine Showgrounds in time for the 1945pm kick off. The exact route is yet to be decided but will be roughly 26 miles starting at the famous Warden Street entrance of Ballymena Showgrounds and heading towards the North Coast. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

#SheWore #Forever21