On Friday Jeff Stelling started his 40 club and 400 mile journey for Prostate Cancer UK.
The now annual event for football’s Official Charity Partner kicked off, well, took its first step yesterday as the Sky television presenter began his March for Men with the aim of raising £500,000 by walking 15 marathons in 15 days – June 2 to June 16.
The first steps of this season’s challenge took place at Exeter City’s St James Park and the 62 year old began his 400 mile journey to Newcastle United’s St James’ Park in the North East.
His journey this year will take him to more than 40 clubs as he heads up the west of England via Bristol and Stoke, heading through Merseyside and Manchester before cutting across the country to end at this year’s Championship title Winners.
Speaking to the efl.com before he began, Stelling said.
‘I’m grateful to everyone who is supporting me on my March for Men as we raise vital awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK. Prostate Cancer kills one man every hour in the UK, and I just decided I couldn`t sit on my backside and do nothing about it. I can put one foot in front of the next and hopefully raise awareness and raise funds to help men beat this diabolical disease.’
He went on to say.
‘This year’s route gives us an opportunity to go to parts of the country that we’ve not been to before and to spread the word to people who maybe didn’t hear that message as loudly last time round. So starting down at Exeter City, we are heading north relentlessly and ending in St James` Park, Newcastle, at one of the great football grounds, where I know we will get a fantastic welcome from all Geordies.’
22 Football League clubs will be visited along the route, along with eight Premier League sides and 12 non league sides with the final day on Friday June 16 kicking off at the Emirates Riverside, home of Durham County Cricket Club.
The EFL’s Official Charity Partner, Prostrate Cancer UK, are holding a number of other events as well and March for Men is simply part of a wider programme raising funds and awareness and there will be a trio of Local Walks across Father’s Day weekend, in London on Saturday June 17 and Leeds and Glasgow 24 hours later.
To support Jeff and the charity, and find out more about his challenge, please visit prostatecanceruk.org/jeffsmarch or text JEFF to 70004 to donate £5 to stop prostate cancer being a killer, and to get a free Man of Men badge like Jeff.
