2:50pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
WHILE most supporters headed 190 miles south last weekend to get from Warrington to Wembley, one fan took on a 38-hour journey to see Wolves lift the Challenge Cup.
Mark Dolan, formerly from Stockton Heath, moved to Brisbane, Australia, with his family five years ago but has returned home for the final for the last two years.
The 41-year-old said: “I think I must be their lucky charm so maybe the team should start paying me to come over the next time we make it to a final!”
Mark’s journey started on the Gold Coast before he caught flights to Kuala Lumpur, then to Stanstead, Heathrow and Manchester before the final leg of the journey home to Warrington. He then made the same trip back home, leaving Stockton Heath on Monday morning and getting back to Australia on Wednesday.
The construction company contracts administrator added: “I sorted out flights the morning after we won the semi final.
“I only started at the company 10 weeks ago but they love their sport over there so my boss understood.
“I got it all booked and then realised I hadn’t mentioned anything to my wife!”
Mark left wife Sarah and children Lauren, aged nine, Emily, aged six, and Joe, aged two, in Oz while Mark went to Saturday’s game with his brother Matthew and his family.
Mark said: “I got to meet Lee Briers when I was in the club shop and told him how far I’d come for the game.
“I had a great time down in London for the final with friends and family.
“It’s so hard to say goodbye again to everybody after a brilliant trip back home.
“It was worth every dollar but just a pity I will miss the chance to hold the cup and have my picture taken with it!”
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