Johnny Phillips: Jeff Stelling is putting the miles in for charity once again
In just a few days time, Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling will embark on his third March for Men as he raises valuable funds for a charity close to the hearts of many in the world of football.
Jeff’s fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK has been nothing short of spectacular since he first took up the challenge back in 2016. Walking an impressive 260 miles from his hometown football club – Hartlepool United – to Wembley in 10 days, Jeff quickly inspired those around him.
The walk, which Jeff undertook with then-Hartlepool chief executive Russ Green, raised £420,000 for the charity. His second March for Men – 15 marathon-length walks in 15 gruelling days the following year – took the total to £800,000. Now, after a year off, the much-loved Sky anchorman is back for a third walk as he aims to take his fundraising total to £1million.
“It’s three years since I started this life-saving journey at the gates of my club, Hartlepool United, but there is still so much work to do,” says Jeff, who regularly wears the Prostate Cancer UK Man of Men pin badge on Soccer Saturday. “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one man dying every 45 minutes from this disease. That’s unacceptable, and that’s why I’m walking again.
“It’s an indiscriminate disease, affecting men and their loved ones across the UK. I’ve walked alongside many of them and am proud to call some my friends. Their reaction and positive outlook despite being dealt the toughest of hands is simply unbelievable. I’m marching for them – and everyone affected – in a bid to fund the research to change the game.”
More than 500 people have signed up to walk alongside Jeff as he embarks on his third march, walking four marathons in the four home nations in four days.
“I live in England and work in London but the wonderful work of Prostate Cancer UK stretches into Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales,” Jeff adds. “So I will be pounding the pavements in four historic cities – and it wouldn’t be a football march without popping in on some iconic football clubs along the way.”
On Thursday, Jeff’s latest challenge begins. He will set off from Hampden Park, taking in the Old Firm clubs before finishing in Motherwell. Friday will see him begin at Crusaders and finish at Windsor Park. Saturday’s walk begins at Newport County, stops off at Cardiff City and ends at the Millenium Stadium. And on Sunday Jeff begins the day at the 2012 Olympic Stadium – home of West Ham – taking in Charlton, Millwall and Arsenal before the whole adventure ends at Spurs’ new stadium.
He will be joined by a host of figures from football and beyond, including Charlie Nicholas, Frank McAvennie, Irvine Welsh, David Moyes, Alex Rae, Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Chris Kamara, David Seaman, Sir Trevor Brooking, Ray Clemence, Alastair Campbell, Carl Frampton and Pat Jennings.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has leant his support to the march, too. “Jeff’s already raised substantial funds and awareness in previous walks, and it’s great to see him head north of the border to keep spreading the awareness here in Scotland, and across the UK,” he says. “To walk 26 miles and then do it again three more times will be an incredible feat, and he’s certain of a warm welcome when he gets to Ibrox on the first day. Everyone at Rangers wishes him well and I’m sure many of our brilliant fans will walk alongside him with pride.”
Soccer Saturday pundit Matt Le Tissier has been a regular walking companion of Jeff’s down the years. “Signing up to join Jeff for a third March for Men was an easy decision for me,” he adds. “Sadly, this disease is all too familiar to me. It’s affected friends and loved ones. That’s why I proudly wear my pin badge on Soccer Saturday every week. The events are tough, but really enjoyable, and hearing the incredible stories of some of the people walking can’t help but inspire you. As Jeff often says, it’s hard to complain about a sore foot when there are people affected by this horrible disease walking alongside you.”
Kevin Webber carries with him one such incredible story. He was diagnosed with incurable advanced prostate cancer five years ago. Then, aged 49, he was given just two years to live. It is hard to imagine that Kevin would go on to run thousands of miles through deserts, jungles, mountains and Arctic tundra. The father-of-three has helped raise more than £200,000 for the charity. His first adventure, the Marathon de Sables, kept him happily distracted from his prognosis. The week-long 156-mile race across the Sahara is like Everest to a climber, but Kevin conquered it brilliantly.
Back in 2016 I was privileged enough to meet Kevin while filming a documentary about Jeff’s first walking challenge. His indefatigable spirit was inspiring, and the emotions were still very raw. Kevin was coming to the end of the time frame doctors had given him to live but he is courageously facing up to the illness, knowing that he will one day leave his family behind. Kevin will be joining Jeff on all four days of the walk. If you are reading this and happen to be close by the route on any of the four days, then get along and give Kevin and all the walkers your support.
You can donate at www.justgiving.com/campaign/jeffsmarchformen2019 and find out more about Jeff’s march at marchformen.org
