TV presenters Chris Kamara and Ben Shephard will be taking on the AJ Bell Great North Run to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Former footballer Kamara, 68, will be running the 13.1 mile route later this year with his son Jack and his close friend and former Goals On Sunday co-host Shephard, 51.
Kamara is a long-term supporter of Prostate Cancer UK who is keen to raise awareness of how the disease impacts black men, while the cause is particularly important to Shephard as his father was diagnosed with the condition.
Former Sky Sports presenter Kamara has previously taken part in fundraisers for the charity and has joined TV presenter Jeff Stelling for his Football Marches.
The broadcaster said: “I’ve been working with Prostate Cancer UK for more than a decade now and have met so many men and their loved ones affected by this disease.
“Walking side by side with them was heartbreaking and inspirational, but an education too.
“I’m still stunned by the stats. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, but if you are black, like me, its double the risk.
“But this disease is treatable if you catch it early.”
Kamara said he is “getting the band together” as he reunites with his “old mucker” Shephard for the challenge.
He said: “I think the couch we used to sit on was far more comfortable than a 13.1 mile Sunday morning run in the North East, but I know we will keep each other going – and if that fails my son will drag us both along.
“As a North East native, I have always wanted to take on the Great North Run again after I was lucky enough to run it 26 years ago.
“That time round, the great Sir Brendan Foster applauded me for getting home in just under one hour 30 minutes.”
“I’ve got a few problems with my balance these days so I hope it might be double that this time. But whatever happens I’ll get round,” Kamara added, referencing his apraxia of speech and dyspraxia.
The Yorkshire-born presenter continued: “What I do know is that it’s an incredible event with passionate fans packing the streets.
“I look forward to seeing you all in September and look forward to some ‘unbelievable’ support.”
Shephard, known for hosting This Morning and Tipping Point, added: “When Kammy asked me to join him at the Great North Run, I jumped at the chance.
“He’s such a brilliant guy, and we’ve been mates for many years now. It’s going to be a real thrill to run alongside him and Jack at such an iconic event.
“I’ve no idea how it’s going to go, but we’ll definitely have some fun.
“I know all too well about the dangers of prostate cancer. It’s a disease that’s affected my family, and so many others too.
“So, it’s great that Kammy’s assembled a team to raise funds and awareness for a brilliant charity, Prostate Cancer UK.
“I’m really happy to support this great cause and I can’t wait to get going.”
Kamara, his son Jack and Shephard will be representing “Team Kammy” at the AJ Bell Great North Run on September 13.
Prostate Cancer UK states the condition is the most common cancer in men and one in eight men will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime, with the risk increasing if you are over 50, black, or have a family history of the disease.
