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A Tranmere Rovers fan who walked 274 miles from Birkenhead to Dover to watch his side in action arrived to find the game had been postponed.

Richie Hellon, 53, decided to undertake the six-day journey to raise money for the Spider-Edie appeal, in aid of four-year-old Edie Molyneux - who is being treated for a brain tumour in Mexico.

Richie, from Birkenhead, a postman in Wirral, is a colleague of Edie's aunt and found out all about her fight for survival through her.

He planned to celebrate his epic journey by watching his beloved Tranmere Rovers take on Dover Athletic in the Vanarama National League but the game was called off at the last minute due to a waterlogged pitch.

(Image: Tranmere Rovers Supporters Club)

(Image: Richie Hellon)

He wasn't the only person left frustrated, as hundreds of fans had to turn back for home after making their way to Dover and being told the match was postponed with just two hours' notice.

Richie said: "As soon as I got to the football ground, I felt great, though, when I heard the news that the match had been called off I felt a bit down."

Richie shrugged off his disappointment at not getting to see the match, saying: "It was all for Edie. It's one of the best things I've ever done. It's hard to put into words. I feel very emotional."

Richie, who has raised over £3,000 for Edie, said he began to struggle towards the end of his journey but he received a piece of information about Edie which lifted his spirits and made sure he would finish his journey no matter what.

He told the ECHO: "On Thursday night, I heard that Edie had come out of intensive care for the first time in four weeks. This was such a boost for me towards the end of my walk."

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The walk, which began at 6am in the morning on Sunday, ended on Friday afternoon, and saw Richie call at Stoke, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes, Canterbury and London.

He travelled an average of 50 miles per day, setting off before dawn.

Edie’s parents, Ashleigh and Steven Molyneux, have moved to Mexico to be able to support their daughter. They are aiming to raise £700,000 to cover the costs of her treatment. They are currently nearing the £200,000 mark. Any donations made will go a long way to help Edie receive the help she requires.

To make a donation, please visit: JustGiving.spider-Ede.org.uk, or text: Edie03 plus the amount you wish to contribute (up to £10), to 70070.