Jeff Stelling walking challenge proving tougher than he expected

Jeff Stelling, second left, with others ahead of day two of the walk, including far left, Prostate Cancer UK director of research Iain Frame, as well as the likes of Chris Kamara and Charlie Nicholas.

Jeff Stelling has admitted his mega walking challenge is proving harder than he expected '“ but his motivation is growing by the day.

The Soccer Saturday presenter, who is one of Hartlepool’s most famous sons, will today complete the third of 10 marathon walks as he makes his way to Wembley.

Yesterday, he completed the longest leg, walking 30 miles from York to Leeds, via Selby and Tadcaster.

Jeff’s challenge, which is raising money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK, will see him clock up 262 miles over 10 days, and he is being joined by celebrities from the world of sport and politics along the way.

Also taking part yesterday were fellow Soccer Saturday favourites Chris Kamara, Charlie Nicholas and Iain Dowie, as well as more ex-footballers, including David Prutton and Ray Wilkins.

From rugby league, the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Bill Arthur and Phil Clarke were involved, as was race walker Tom Bosworth.

Jeff is hoping the most difficult part of the challenge is behind him.

He said: “Hopefully, things will become easier, with the longest day behind us. It is proving much more difficult than I expected.

“It’s the constant repetitive pounding on your feet which takes its toll.

“The response has been brilliant, though.

“We went through Tadcaster yesterday, and everyone came out and seemed to be making donations. One of the local butchers was selling the Jeff Stelling banger.”

His motivation is increasing with each passing mile, with Jeff having met a number of people with inspiring stories to tell.

He added: “One Soccer Saturday fan told us of the day he saw we were wearing the Prostate Cancer UK badges on the show.

“He wondered what they were for, and after doing a bit of research, he realised he had some of the symptoms.

“He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, but the prognosis is pretty good, and if it wasn’t for the awareness raised by those little badges, he might not be here today.”