Bob joins all-star march for Prostate Cancer

Bob Jackson is joining Sky Sport's Jeff Stelling on a marathon walk to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK PNL-160315-113812001

A keen walker who beat prostate cancer is joining sporting stars to promote awareness of the disease.

Bob Jackson, from Bedford, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer seven years ago during a routine health check.

Thanks to swift treatment he is now fit and well, and ready to take on a 44km walk with Sky Sports’s football presenter Jeff Stelling.

Bob is joining Jeff’s Men United March on the walk from Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road ground to Vicarage Road, Watford.

Bob Jackson is joining Sky Sport's Jeff Stelling on a marathon walk to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK PNL-160315-113852001

He said: “Jeff is walking from his home club, Hartlepool, to Wembley, walking from football club to football club. He will be joined by colleagues from Sky Sports, famous former footballers and selected people who have the cancer, have beaten it or have been directly affected by a family member or friend who has contracted this dreadful disease.

“To join the walk you have to have a level of fitness to keep up with the pace for the 44k duration as the entourage of walkers and the support team cannot wait for you.”

Bob has been in training with his Nordic Walker instructor Elaine Kearns, who has helped him improve his fitness for the past three years.

The 68-year-old will set off with the team, which will include ex-Arsenal and England star Paul Merton, and former West Ham and England striker Tony Cottee, at 7.30am on March 29.

They will break for lunch at St Albans City football ground, and should arrive at Vicarage Road at 6.30pm.

So far, Bob has raised £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, through his JustGiving page.

He said: “Early diagnosis is key and my walking is not only to show solidarity with this event but also to raise money and contribute to the funds for further research.”

He recalls how the then relatively-new robotic surgery at Lister Hospital, Stevenage, helped save his life.

He said: “I was treated by Professor Tom McNicholas who apart from being an excellent surgeon, was exceptionl in my post-operative care.

“Without a doubt it saved my life as had the cancer broken out of the prostate I certainly wouldn’t be alive today.”

To sponsor Bob, go to www.justgiving.com/Bob-Jackson2/

For more information about Men United March, go to http://prostatecanceruk.org/

To find out more about Nordic Walking in Bedfordshire, go to http://walk2fitness.co.uk/