A GRANDAD who is battling an incurable form of prostate cancer is joining the region’s best loved footballer presenter in his charity walk.

Ken Bashford, a self-employed roofer from Marske, east Cleveland, is joining Hartlepool’s Jeff Stelling for his 15 marathons in 15 days

The 60-year-old, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2015, said he was “over the moon” to be invited to take part, after first meeting the Soccer Saturday presenter during his 2016 charity walk.

Mr Stelling plans to walk from Exeter City FC to Newcastle FC between June 2 and 16, a journey that will take the TV presenter on a trip of around 400 miles.

Mr Bashford will join the walkers on the penultimate day as Mr Stelling sets off from Darlington and heads back to his hometown club Hartlepool United.

Mr Bashford said he hopes to battle the disease “for as long as he can” for his wife, Elaine, 57, and sons Dan, 23, and Andrew, 20.

“I have a wonderful family and I’ve learned since I was diagnosed that you have to fight this prostate cancer all the time,” he said.

“When it knocks you down, you have to get back up there or it will win.”

Last year, Mr Stelling walked ten marathons in ten days and raised more than £400,000 for prostate cancer sufferers.

Mr Bashford said Mr Stelling was “very genuine” and he couldn’t wait to join him again.

“My fight goes on and if sharing my story helps one other person, I will be extremely happy.”

To sign up for the March for Men or to find out more, visit www.prostatecanceruk.org/jeffsmarch