Ken Masters has set out on his charity challenge to raise money for the Adam Stansfield Foundation.
Ken left Rovers' training ground this morning at the start of his grueling West Country walk to raise money for charity.
At the end of the month Ken will be walking between Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town and Exeter City in memory of Adam Stansfield.
The walk will coincide with Rovers visit to Yeovil on April 2nd and Exeter's trip to the Memorial Stadium on April 9th.
Ken will walk from south Bristol on his way to Huish Park. He will then go from Yeovil down to Exeter and hopes to make it to St James Park on April 4th.
After meeting with members of the Adam Stansfield Foundation and Exeter City, Ken will begin the final leg of the journey - back to the Memorial Stadium in time for kick off on April 9th.
The Adam Stanfield Football Foundation has been set-up to support and encourage participation in youth football across the South West region.
The Foundation has been formed in memory of Adam who died on August 10 last year at the age of just 31 from bowel cancer.
Ken, whose wife has recently recovered from a major bowel operation, has wanted to do something to raise money for the Foundation for some time.
When he realised that Rovers were playing two of Adam's former teams in consecutive weeks, he decided that a walk around the West Country would be the perfect challenge.
Ken, 66, who has completed a number of running events over the years, wanted to do something that would provide him with a challenge.
He has now well under way with his training, and is walking up to 18 miles a day.
He said: "I was touched by the tragic death of Adam, who was struck down at such a young age, and wanted to do something in his memory.
"We are playing Yeovil on Saturday at their place, and the following Saturday we are playing Exeter City at our place.
"Adam Stansfield played for both those clubs, he passed away aged only 31 last year, and he died of bowel disease, so I am walking to Yeovil, on to Exeter and then back to our place.
"It is about 180 miles in ten days, to raise money for his foundation. I really want to do this and I am committed to it.
"Please donate, I really don't care how small every little bit helps and will be gratefully received.
"Every penny will go to the Adam Stansfield Foundation which helps to support children through the medium of football."
Ken has been training hard for the event and expects to walk about 18 miles a day.
He said: "Before Christmas I did a lot of strengthening work in the gym and after Christmas I took to the road and have walked well over 400 miles in training, so I feel quite well prepared.
"The longest walk I have done is around 20 miles, and I expect to be doing 15-18 miles a day, so I am well prepared, but it is still going to sting a bit.
"The legs are going to be ok, and the feet will be fine as Phil Kite has looked after them, bandaged them all up ready and showed me how to take care of them.
"What is going to hurt is my neck, in training I have found that it is my shoulders and neck that hurt during the long walks."
Ken will be backed up by a good support team, and although Ken will be embarking on the challenge alone, he would be grateful for any company along the way.
He said: "I have got accommodation all the way round, and Berkeley Coaches of Paulton have provided a support bus for me, which they have had signed with the Rovers logo and that bus will support me over the next ten days.
"I will be stopping in at Yeovil and Exeter on the way, and I would love for people to join me for parts of the journey.
"The reason for the mini bus is that people can join me for a few miles and then ride along in the mini bus and do a few more if they want to.
"So the mini bus is there to provide me with food and drink and clothing, but it is also there to support anyone who wants to walk with me."
Andy Cole, Chairman of the Adam Stansfield Foundation said "We are all very moved by the number of people wanting to raise funds for Adams foundation; we would like to thank Ken for his support and wish him luck with this challenge."
A Virgin Money Giving page is currently being set up for those wishing to donate to the cause, but in the meantime, anyone who would like to offer donations or a bed for the night should contact Kirsty Pugh at the club on 0117 9542003 or email kirstypugh@bristolrovers.co.uk
Report and Pictures courtesy of Kirsty Pugh, Bristol Rovers Football Club
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