Marching for prostate cancer awareness 

Ron Hedley tells us about his love for local cricket and turning his personal challenge into a nationwide fundraising mission to beat cancer

For 77-year-old Ron, life in Tylers Green has been defined by sport, community, and a commitment to raising awareness for men’s health. A resident of the village for 46 years, Ron still runs a garment decorating business, enjoys the local community, and, above all, has turned personal adversity into action. 

Ron’s love of sport runs deep. He has played cricket locally for 50 years and now serves as Chairman of Buckinghamshire CCC Over 60s and Over 70s, playing in the Over 70s team himself. He also devoted 47 years to Buckinghamshire County Table Tennis, coaching and managing teams. “Since being diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer in 2018, I had to decide how to deal with it,” he explains. “Sport and walking became my way of making a difference.” 

That decision gave birth to Ron’s March, a nationwide campaign combining his love of cricket and walking to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK. To date, Ron and his fellow cricketers have completed 43 walks across England and Wales, raising an impressive £78,000. Along the way, they have enjoyed extraordinary experiences, from walking in Malta to playing cricket in Rome as guests of the St Peter’s-Vatican Cricket Club. 

“The campaign is about more than fundraising,” Ron says. “It’s about bringing communities together, sharing stories, and shining a light on the biggest killer of men in the UK.” High-profile supporters, including Michael Parkinson, Mary Berry, and Tom Kerridge, have joined the effort, alongside local partners such as The Waterside Inn at Bray on Thames. Media coverage on SKY TV, local radio, and cricket events has helped amplify the message further. 

Ron’s dedication extends to his local community too. He praises local businesses such as Kings Ride supermarket in Tylers Green and enjoys meals at The Red Lion in Penn or Da Remo in Denham. “We are lucky to live in such a lovely, friendly village,” he says. “We cannot imagine moving away.” 

Looking ahead, Ron’s March continues, with more county walks planned. Ron celebrated his 75th birthday in 2024 at Lords Cricket Ground with a special lunch. And, with each step, each cricket match, and each awareness event, Ron demonstrates how one person’s determination can create real change and inspire others to take action. 

For more information on Ron’s March, upcoming walks, or to support the campaign, please visit bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch 

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