SIGNING UP TO MARCH FOR MEN
JEFF Stelling and a host of EFL managers are encouraging football fans to get their trainers on and March for Men to help cure prostate cancer.
Sky Sports presenter Stelling has teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK for the last two years to raise more than £800,000 for the charity by completing an epic trek to clubs around the country.
In the first year he completed ten marathons in ten days before topping that last summer with 15 in 15.
The Hartlepool United supporter is having a well-earned rest this time, but hundreds of supporters will get involved on July 22.
There are four starting points – Millwall, West Ham United, Sutton United and St Albans City – before all converge at Wembley.
There will be plenty of stops along the way for each leg, including AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Brentford.
“It’s a fantastic thing for people to get involved with and a manageable marathon,” Stelling told The
FLP. “I would just say, don’t think one day is going to be easy – make sure you prepare!
“Trust me, it’s not just a little stroll. So, put the miles in beforehand, but get involved because you’ll really enjoy it.
Jackets
“As we recently saw with Stephen Fry, who has been a big supporter of our walks, prostate cancer can affect anyone. And not just men – wives and families too. It’s a silent killer and we can all help kick it into touch.”
The stats make for scary reading, with one man dying every 45 minutes from the disease.
Prostate Cancer UK’s Man of Men badges are seen every weekend on the jackets of managers – and the bosses of those clubs on the route have thrown their support behind the event.
AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley said: “It’s great to see the AFC Wimbledon supporters marching again for Prostate Cancer UK, a massively worthy cause.
“Football rivalry goes out the window when you hear stats like one man dies every 45 minutes so we will proudly walk side by side with our neighbours to promote this hugely important issue.
“The club have been big supporters of the charity’s work for many years including our own Kevin Webber, a man whose devastating diagnosis has fuelled some incredible fund-raising feats.
“I’m proud to continue wearing their Man of Men badge on sidelines up and down the country, and marching to Wembley will allow us to raise money and awareness to fight back against the deadliest opponent of all.” Millwall manager Neil Harris knows the personal impact of cancer. He said: “Cancer is non-discriminate. It has affected me personally, and also my friends and loved ones. But things like this can make a real difference. “Prostate Cancer UK’s work in football is second to none and I wear my ‘Man of Men’ pin badge with pride. There is still work to be done, but it’s terrific to see the football family In London and beyond teaming up to tackle this deadly opponent head on.” To sign up, go to: www.prostatecanceruk.org/footballmarch
LEG 1: St Albans City, Watford, Barnet, Wembley LEG 2: West Ham, Leyton Orient, Tottenham, Arsenal, Wembley LEG 3: Millwall, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Chelsea, QPR, Wembley LEG 4: Sutton Utd, AFC Wimbledon, Brentford, Wembley