Jeff Stelling ready for another marathon Football March

Former Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday striker Mark Bright will also walk, while former Wycombe and current Queens Park Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth will join the march later in the day. Will Turnbull, son of Bill, will also walk the whole day.
 
The event is sponsored by GenesisCare, a specialist cancer care provider with 14 treatment centres throughout the UK. Working with Prostate Cancer UK they will both promote the importance of early diagnosis of prostate cancer, giving more options for advanced treatments such as radiotherapy, and better life outcomes.  
 
Following stints in regional radio, both Stelling and Turnbull cut their reporting teeth at LBC before going onto become household names in the broadcasting field, Bill, the doyen of breakfast television Monday to Friday and Jeff as the face of Soccer Saturday for more than two decades.
 
“Bill was a legendary broadcaster and most importantly a superb human being. But his life was cruelly cut short by prostate cancer,” said Stelling.
 
“Although our paths crossed fleetingly, we shared so many similar values and trod similar paths in our careers. We also embraced true underdog spirit in the teams we passionately followed, me with Hartlepool United and Bill with Wycombe Wanderers.
 
“Bill’s support for not just Prostate Cancer UK but for everyone affected by this awful disease, was incredible. Those people he touched with his story, and those lives he saved by going public, that’s the legacy he leaves.
 
“Sadly for Bill he was diagnosed too late. His subsequent mission was to inform men and their families about this disease and ensure others don’t go through what him and his family did. Walking to Wycombe in honour of him is the perfect way to continue his legacy, and for those other men lost to this disease.
 
Wycombe Wanderers will mark a 106th UK football club visited by Jeff since departing his beloved Hartlepool United on his first march in 2016. The trek will take him past 890 miles in the process. 
 
Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield, who made more than more than 500 appearances for the club across an 18-year spell before returning to take charge in February, joined Jeff at the launch, and said: “Bill was such a kind, lovely man, and we all miss him greatly. He was such a big fan of this football club, so its wonderful we are able to continue to remember him, and help raise funds and awareness at the same time.
 
“The stats about prostate cancer are shocking. One in eight men will get it, one in four if you are black. That’s why I wear my badge, to show solidarity with anyone affected by this disease, men, and their loved ones.
 
“Huge respect to Jeff for taking on yet another challenge and I know it will be a special day for all Chairboys fans, football fans, and fans of Bill.” 
 
One in eight men are affected by prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. That’s thousands of dads, grandads, brothers, partners, uncles, sons and mates.
 
Bill’s wife Sesi Turnbull said: “All of us in the family are so grateful to Jeff Stelling for paying tribute to our beloved Bill by taking on another epic marathon march this year for Prostate Cancer UK. 
 
“The whole family is delighted that Jeff has chosen to finish his marathon walk at Bill’s club, Wycombe Wanderers. Bill’s years spent supporting The Chairboys gave him great happiness. It is such a special club and it was like a family to him as he faced up to prostate cancer.

“I know that the love and support from the management, players, staff, the Couhig family and fans at Adams Park held us all up in some tough times. Bill would be so pleased that Jeff has the backing of the mighty Wanderers supporting this event.
 
“We all miss Bill so much. It meant a great deal to Bill that he had helped others get treatment for prostate cancer by sharing his story. By supporting Jeff’s marathon march together with Wycombe Wanderers, Prostate Cancer UK and the football community we hope that his legacy will live on and save even more lives.”
 
Prostate Cancer UK chief executive Laura Kerby said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Jeff Stelling will dust off his walking boots again to take on yet another epic marathon march for Prostate Cancer UK, and thank all the supporters taking part. Money raised will fund lifesaving research to diagnose men sooner and improve the lives of men affected by prostate cancer.
 
“It’s also incredibly poignant that we will be finishing this march at the home of Wycombe Wanderers, the club our supporter Bill Turnbull followed so loyally. Bill defied his own diagnosis to inspire thousands of men at risk of, or affected by, prostate cancer making countless lifesaving interactions. We remain forever grateful for his support and know this march will continue his wonderful legacy.”
 
GenesisCare General Manager, Justin Hely added: “As experts in cancer care we know first hand how vital an early diagnosis and access to the most advanced cancer treatments is in delivering improved outcomes for men with prostate cancer.  That’s why we’re working with Prostate Cancer UK and Jeff to encourage men to be proactive, be vigilant and take charge of their health today, for a healthier tomorrow.”   
 
Visit http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/JeffStellingsFootballMarch2023 to make a donation.