FOR most football fans a trip to one stadium at the weekend is enough, but Emily Kender is visiting 25 in three days.

The 25-year-old from Highworth, who is a teacher at Liden Primary School, is embarking on a whirlwind trip across the country this weekend in memory of her father, Martin, who died last year at the age of 57.

The Aston Villa fan’s trip, which is raising funds for charity, started at the County Ground yesterday, when she met Swindon Town captain Paul Caddis before setting off in the car this morning.

“My dad absolutely loved football and I had no choice but to support Aston Villa when I was growing up. When I was born he carried me out of hospital in an Aston Villa scarf,” she said.

“I have always loved football and it was always him that took me and got me into football.

“He would love this trip. He would want to be in the front seat.”

Martin, of Highworth, who was a shareholder of Chesterfield FC, was often also in the crowd at Highworth Town games.

He was on the town council, served as mayor, and founded Highworth’s branch of the Royal British Legion.

The challenge, which is raising funds for the Royal British Legion and the Esther Benjamin Trust, will see Emily being driven across the country by family friend Ian Sutherland, accompanied by another family friend, Phoebe Oketch.

“All his life dad was actively opposed to unfairness, injustice and ill treatment to any living being, so it is appropriate that we are staging this appeal in order to raise money in his memory jointly for the Royal British Legion and for the Esther Benjamin Trust,” said Emily.

“The RBL is well known for its support and help of servicemen and their families in times of hardship and distress.

“The Esther Benjamin Trust is playing a vital role in rescuing Nepalese children who have been trafficked or displaced into India – including many who have been sold into Indian circuses.”

Emily has already held a fundraiser in her dad’s memory, which raised about £500.

Swindon Town skipper Paul was at the County Ground yesterday to meet Emily as she started the challenge.

“People associate football with men but she’s obviously followed football for a long time,” he said.

“It’s good to get the chance to meet the fans and see what they think of us. She’s giving the town a good name so good on her.”

Donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/julia-kender0 for the Esther Benjamin Trust or www.justgiving.com/julia-kender for the Royal British Legion.

Emily’s mum Julia will be holding a relax and refresh event today at Highworth Community Centre, formerly known as Northview School, from 2pm until 4pm.