A lifelong Oxford United supporter is set to undertake a gruelling 125-mile charity walk following a cancer diagnosis, aiming to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.
Neil McManus, 47, will walk the equivalent of five consecutive marathons over five days, travelling along the Thames Path from the Kassam Stadium to The Den ahead of the club’s final game of the season.
A dedicated fan, Mr McManus has been a boxholder at the Kassam Stadium for the past decade and previously held a season ticket. His challenge follows a shock bladder cancer diagnosis just two days before Christmas in 2024.
Mr McManus said: “The diagnosis was a real shock and came completely out of the blue.
“I went from not feeling well to having tests and surgery within three or four days, to then undergoing chemotherapy in hospital. Thankfully for me, the cancer was caught early.
“I’d consider myself fit and healthy, which is why I want to raise awareness and show that this can happen to anyone. If you have blood in your pee or you’re peeing a lot, then get checked out.”
After receiving a clean bill of health at his one-year cystoscopy in January, he decided to take on the challenge in support of Fight Bladder Cancer, a Chinnor-based charity that supports patients and campaigns for greater awareness and research.
“The charity is full of help and support, and reached out to me when I was diagnosed,” he said.
“Despite being a small charity, they are doing some incredible work and really helped me and my family.
“I wanted to do something for them to coincide with the end of the season. Last year, Oxford were at Swansea though and I wasn’t sure if I could walk quite that far!”
Mr McManus will be joined by friends and family along the route, with more supporters expected to join as the group approaches London.
Preparation for the challenge has already proved demanding. He added: “I’ve been putting in the miles to get ready for this, and I’d consider myself fit, but walking long distances is really hard. Everything has been hurting!
“I walked 25 miles recently and I’ve been hobbling ever since. My shoulders hurt, my arms hurt, and my hips hurt too, but it will all be worth it if we help raise awareness and support for others facing bladder cancer.”
