FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey will be among a group attempting to walk the length of Great Britain in just 12 days.

The Bolton-based former ref and seven others will be walking continuously from Lands End to John O’Groats and could be joined for some of the challenge by former Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce.

The eight walkers are completing the challenge for the Steve Prescott Foundation — a charity set up by former international Rugby League star Steve Prescott who died in November from a rare form of abdomen cancer.

The charity supports the Christie Hospital, the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and the Oxford Intestinal Unit and has so far raised more than £500,000.

Mr Halsey, who himself has battled throat cancer and is currently in remission, said: “I met Steve a few times at dinners and events and when Martin Blondel, who is heavily involved in the foundation asked me to be an ambassador, I felt honoured and privileged and said yes.

“Steve did an unbelievable amount for charity and so in his honour we are taking on this challenge — it will be really tough to walk the distance in just 12 days.”

Unlike many walkers who tackle the distance, the group will not be staying in any hotels along the way — instead there will be a large luxury star home that will travel ahead of the walkers and provide eating and sleeping facilities.

The walk will begin at the Land’s End Hotel on May 5 and all being well, the intrepid walkers will cross the finish line at John O’Groats on May 16.

They could be joined by some big names at different stages along the way, with former Whites boss Sam Allardyce and fellow football stars Neil Warnock and Peter Reid expected to make appearances.

Martin Blondel from the foundation said: “This is going to be the most demanding challenge the SPF have undertook, it is a Challenge that Steve would have relished. We have a fantastic diverse team of walkers who are going to attempt the full walk.

For more information on the challenge visit steveprescottfoundation.co.uk/events/official-events/146-askvas-walk-for-precky-in-association-with-container-cabins-info.