Support Ron's March For Prostate Cancer

by Bob Willis Fund in Marlow, , United Kingdom

Support Ron's March For Prostate Cancer

Total raised £55,220

raised so far

+ est. £6977.50 Gift Aid

615

supporters

Thanks to the support of England Cricket Seniors, 29 walks have been completed in 2 years. Ron will continue in 2025, thanks to the counties

by Bob Willis Fund in Marlow, , United Kingdom

 New stretch target


Ron Hedley joined Jeff Stelling’s March for Men in 2017 to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. Just a year later, in November 2018, Ron was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer himself. He realised he had to spread the message that prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, with the risk rising to 1 in 4 for Black men. He has since encouraged men over 50 to get a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test as soon as possible.

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Ron leveraged his involvement with Buckinghamshire CCC Over 60’s and Over 70’s cricket to promote PSA testing to a broad audience. Together with teammates, friends, and celebrities, he organised a charity cricket match, luncheon, and auction and a series of nine walks across Buckinghamshire. The final walk concluded with a lunch event attended by prostate cancer sufferers Allan Lamb, Mick Harford, and 80 other supporters. These initiatives collectively raised an impressive £22,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

Initially, Ron thought his fundraising efforts would conclude after the second lunch. However, conversations with Prostate Cancer UK CEO Laura Kerby and Bob Willis's wife, Lauren Clark, inspired him to undertake an even bigger challenge: a potential series of 33 walks across England and Wales. The idea was for each county with an Over 60s cricket team to organise a walk, inviting players to join Ron and contribute to the cause. Ron set the final walk to coincide with a meaningful milestone—his 75th birthday.1733414074_ron's_march_event_lords_group_photo.jpeg

On 15th September 2024, Lord's Cricket Ground hosted a gathering of county representatives and sponsors who had supported Ron and his wife, Pat, throughout their fundraising journey. The event celebrated the achievement of 29 completed walks, raising an incredible £48,500 and, even more importantly, increasing awareness of prostate cancer research and testing. Some counties have already organised two walks, with about six more considering additional events in 2025. There is still hope that the remaining counties will join the initiative with their own walks next year.

Ron’s plan to give up walking on his 75th birthday seems a pipe dream now.

Many sporting celebrities, including Sir John Major and Sir Timothy Lawrence, have supported the campaign. We are indebted to Sky Sports, BBC Radio, and the local press for their amazing coverage of many of our walks. The Bob Willis Fund and Prostate Cancer (UK) continue to give us 100% support, too.

Our sponsors include The Magic Touch (GB), Wenzils the Bakers, Ultimate Promotions, Beechwood Shirts & Litho Ltd and Pencarrie Ltd. Several County Cricket Clubs have supported the campaign by allowing walkers to walk to their ground and take in a day of County Cricket, we thank them. More than anything, we thank around 1000 people who have walked with us so far.

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