Famous faces set to join Jeff Stelling as he kicks off epic walk to Wembley

Pools boss Craig Hignett and chief executive Russ Green are set to join Hartlepool United's most famous fan as he kicks off his epic walking challenge next week.
Ray Wilkins will be among the group setting off from Hartlepool on Monday.Ray Wilkins will be among the group setting off from Hartlepool on Monday.
Ray Wilkins will be among the group setting off from Hartlepool on Monday.

Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling is to walk 10 marathons in 10 days, starting at Pools’ Victoria Park on Monday.

He will travel 262 miles down the country, passing a number of other football grounds on his way to Wembley, in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

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Familiar faces will join him, and on the first day – which will see Jeff and co walk from Hartlepool to Marske via Middlesbrough – Hignett, Green, former Chelsea and Manchester United star Ray Wilkins and political aide Alistair Campbell will be involved.

Green will join Jeff every step of the way to Wembley, beginning at Victoria Park, from which the group will head to the seafront, through West Meadows and Cowpen Bewley, over the Transporter Bridge to the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.

They will then go along Tees and Lazenby Bank before finishing on the coast at Marske.

Registration and breakfast will take place at Victoria Park at 7am before they set off at 8am, with the group expected to reach Northern League champions Marske United at 5.45pm.

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Day One’s cast list also includes Adam Golightly, a Pools fan who lost his father to prostate cancer, and 
Boro supporter Robin Millman, who has lived with the disease for more than a decade, but refuses to let it beat him.

Others who will take part during the 10-day challenge include former footballers Chris Kamara, Charlie Nicholas, Les Ferdinand, Archie Gemmill and Paul Merson, as well as H’Angus the Monkey.

Jeff said: “You could say I can talk the talk, but when Prostate Cancer UK asked if I could walk the walk too, things suddenly got serious.

“Last month, Prostate Cancer UK warned that the number of men in the UK dying from the disease will soar unless urgent action is taken.

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“If the rising death trend continues, by 2026 prostate cancer will kill over 14,500 men every year.

“However, they estimate that deaths could be cut in half if the key areas of improving diagnosis and treatment can be resolved in the next 10 years.

“Within that decade, Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear.

“I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are.

“But to do this we need to raise vital funds.

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“That’s why I’ve signed up for my Men United March. On Monday, March 21 I’ll set off on an epic walk from my beloved Hartlepool United to Wembley, a place Pools have never been.

“I’ll visit 31 other football clubs and walk 262 miles – 10 marathons in 10 days to be precise – and hope to see your readers along the way.”

To support Jeff or get involved, visit www.menunitedmarch.org or text ‘JEFF’ to 70004 to donate £3.