AT times the pain in their feet has been unbearable and the aches in their legs have been making them wonder who in their right mind would take on such a crazy challenge.

But in their lowest moments their thoughts have turned to the man whose memory and legacy their non stop walk from Land’s End’s to John O’Groats is all about.

“Not having him by my side has been the hardest part of this challenge, which is the first I have done without Steve Prescott,” says Paul Sculthorpe.

“But his spirit is certainly with us and his name is used wherever we go and whoever we meet – in that respect he is with us and it is willing us on.

Sculthorpe is part of the eight man team on 12-day journey from Lands End to John O’Groats for in memory of the charity’s inspirational founder who died last November after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

The former Saints captain was speaking to the Star on Tuesday, some 700 miles into the challenge as the squad made their way through Scotland.

Others taking part include ex Saints players Tommy Martyn and Lee Briers, a former football referee and cancer survivor Mark Halsey, SPF chairman Mike Denning, committee member Ade Cunliffe and State of Mind Trustee Phil Cooper.

Ex-rugby player Jimmy Gittins, who is paraplegic after breaking his neck playing, is taking part on a specially designed hand cycle.

The team is split into two groups to rotate the walking in eight-hour shifts. They breaks in a specialised motor home along the way.

Sculthorpe added: “It’s the toughest challenge I have done – simply from the point of how painful my feet are.

“But it has been immensely enjoyable because of how well received it has been. We’ve had people in Cornwall, Wales, and Scotland coming up to us and so it has really broadened the reach of the foundation.”

It is a feeling shared by Denning, who has been amazed by the public’s reaction on social media: “If every person who follows us on social media gave just £1 it would make such a huge difference to us.

“We estimate this challenge has so far raised £25,000 and that number will grow.”

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

Proceeds from the walk will help the charity’s support of the Christie Hospital, Try Assist – the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and the Oxford Intestinal Unit.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/lejog4precky.