Dale Chief Executive Russ Green joins Jeff Stelling on marathon walk

Russ Green (centre) with ex-footballer Paul Merson (left) and Jeff Stelling (right)

Dale Chief Executive Russ Green met up with Jeff Stelling on Friday morning to join the TV presenter on his final marathon walk.

Jeff, who is Russ’ best mate, embarked on his 15 marathons in 15 days challenge (400-miles) on Friday 2 June in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, setting off from Exeter City’s St James Park. Since then, he has been working his way up the country, stopping at over 40 football clubs along way, including the Crown Oil Arena on day eight, and finished at the other St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle Unitedon Friday evening (16 June).

Having joined Jeff on the entire March for Men challenge last year, Russ was keen to get involved again this time round by adding his support, and he surprised the unsuspecting Jeff by turning up at Durham County Cricket Club on Friday morning to walk the last 26 miles.

The final route took Jeff and Russ from Durham County Cricket Club, to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and Gateshead FC, before finishing at St James’ Park.

Speaking on Thursday before he set-off for the North East, Russ said: “It’s Jeff’s day and Jeff’s challenge and I want to help him through it because I know he’ll be struggling mentally.

“I can’t believe he’s done 15 marathons because I know how hard it was to do 10 last year. I’m so proud of what he’s done – it’s a fantastic achievement.”

Over £200,000 has been donated to Prostate Cancer UK during the challenge so far, something Russ is really pleased about, but he also says that the awareness raised by the EFL and Jeff during the challenge cannot be underestimated.

He added: “Last year, the stories we heard from people who had/have prostate cancer really got to me. I’m not ashamed to admit that twice I finished the day in tears because of the stories that we heard.

“We had guys with terminal cancer and others who were battling the disease walking with us, because they wanted to help us raise awareness.

“One in eight men will get prostate cancer and it’s important that people know about the symptoms and what to look out for.”

To sponsor Russ and Jeff, visit:

https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/march-for-men/jeff-stellings-march-for-men