WHEN a team of walkers embark on a journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats next week the memory of Steve Prescott will be foremost in their minds.

The eight strong squad – including ex rugby league players Tommy Martyn, Lee Briers and Paul Sculthorpe, and former Premier League football referee and cancer survivor Mark Halsey – aim to complete 900 miles in just 12 days.

It represents the first extreme endurance challenge organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation since the death of the charity’s founder at the age of 39 last November.

Mike Denning, the SPF chairman, committee member Ade Cunliffe and State of Mind Trustee Phil Cooper are among those also preparing to endure sore feet, aching legs, painful blisters and extreme fatigue.

Jimmy Gittins, who is paraplegic after breaking his neck playing rugby league, will take part in a specially designed hand cycle.

Starting on Monday, May 5 they will travel up the country and will aim to walk moving 24 hours a day, with members taking ‘pit stops’ at motor home in which they will eat and sleep.

Mike, who was at Steve’s side during many of the former rugby league player’s immense challenges, expects the emotional battle to be as great as the physical one.

He said: “From cycling through France to climbing Kilimanjaro, all have been very difficult in their own way, but Steve has either been with me or at the end of a phone.

“Those of us that where extremely close to Steve and treated him as a brother have struggled in our own way to cope with his passing.

“We miss him every day and keep ourselves active in his name. I know his spirit will get me to the end of this and help make this challenge a phenomenal success.

“I will hold all my memories of the great times I have had with Steve Prescott close to my heart and will shed buckets of tears for his passing on the way.”

They aim to reach John O’Groats on Friday, May 16.

WALKERS are being urged to join the SPF team on the evening of Friday, May 9.

That night Warrington Wolves host Catalan Dragons at the Halliwell Jones stadium and the charity squad will be presented to the crowd ahead of kick off before setting off on their next leg of their journey – to Wigan.

Supporters are invited to join the 12.3 mile Hattons Travel Walk until Midnight stage. Minimum sponsorship of £60 per walker is required.

Hattons Travel will provide free transport to Warrington from Langtree Park, leaving at 7.40pm. They will pick up from Tesco Central Park at midnight and return walkers to the Halliwell Jones Stadium and then Langtree Park.

Contact Martin Blondel on 07971792859 or email info@steveprescottfoundation.co.uk for more information.