Tough charity march for a Latics director

OLDHAM Athletic director Simon Brooke and Jeff Stelling, from Sky Sports, take a breather

AN Oldham Athletic director battled torrential rain and the 'wall' as he completed an 'inspirational' walking marathon to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Simon Brooke joined Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling, prostate cancer sufferers and survivors for the March for Men walks between Oldham and Blackpool.

He reached well past his original target of £600 for the charity and is now within touching distance of the £1,000 mark following the completion of his walk which began on Friday June 9.

Simon spoke to cancer sufferers who spurred him on during his two-day 57-miles walk which started at Oldham Athletic's ground and ended at Accrington Stanley on day one. The second part of his marathon started at Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park and finished at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road stadium.

Simon said: "It was a tough, but inspirational two days. Walking with Prostate Cancer survivors and terminally ill men kept the pain from my feet in check. During the 20 hours I walked 20 men died in the UK from prostate cancer and that is something we need to change."

He said: "Getting up for day two was hard and the near 30-mile slog in the rain that day very nearly broke me, but it was those guys and Jeff that got me through.

"That Jeff is ploughing on through fifteen days is unbelievable.

"I've had some amazing support throughout the training and the two days and I'm determined to raise £1,000 for the cause."

Those wishing to donate to Simon's cause can do so at justgiving,com/fundraising/simon-brooke3.