Dale chief joins Jeff on epic cancer charity trek

DALE chief exec Russ Green joined Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on the final leg of his epic fundraising walk.

Jeff, Russ’ best mate, embarked on his 15 marathons in 15 days challenge on June 2 in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, setting off from Exeter City’s St James Park.

Since then, he has been working his way north on the 400-mile trek, stopping at over 40 football clubs along way, including the Crown Oil Arena on day eight.

Having joined Jeff on the entire March for Men challenge last year, Russ was keen to get involved again this time round.

And he surprised the unsuspecting Jeff by turning up at Durham County Cricket Club on Friday morning to walk the last 26-miles to Newcastle United’s St James Park, via Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and Gateshead FC.

Speaking on Thursday before he set-off for the North East, Russ said: “It’s Jeff’s day and Jeff’s challenge and I want to help him through it because I know he’ll be struggling mentally.

“I can’t believe he’s done 15 marathons because I know how hard it was to do 10 last year. I’m so proud of what he’s done – it’s a fantastic achievement.”

Over £200,000 has been donated to Prostate Cancer UK during the challenge so far, something Russ is really pleased about, but he also says that the awareness raised by the EFL and Jeff during the challenge cannot be under- ●●Rochdale FC chief exec Russ Green (centre) joined Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling (right) for the final leg of his annual March for Men 400-mile walk in aid of Prostrate Cancer UK. Far left is former Arsenal star Paul Merson estimated.

He added: “Last year, the stories we heard from people who had/ have Prostate Cancer really got to me. I’m not ashamed to admit that twice I finished the day in tears because of the stories that we heard.

“We had guys with terminal cancer and others who were battling the disease walking with us, because they wanted to help us raise awareness.

“One in eight men will get Prostate Cancer and it’s important that people know about the symptoms and what to look out for.”

You can sponsor Russ and Jeff at prostatecanceruk.org.