Queens Park Rangers fans will set out on the road to Wembley on July 22 with Prostate Cancer UK unveiling an even bigger and better ‘March for Men’ walking programme as they make further strides to stop prostate cancer being a killer.

After a successful launch of the charity’s flagship walking campaign last year raised more than £1 million, there is even more reason for people to put their best foot forward and combat the most common cancer in men.

For the first time, the number of men dying from prostate cancer every year has overtaken the number of women dying from breast cancer, making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK.

Stepping up to the challenge, the leading men’s health charity will be recruiting an army of walkers representing QPR and clubs from the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and non-league in London and the south east in four marathon marches.

The Football March for Men will see legions of walkers setting off on the road to Wembley, starting out from West Ham United, Millwall, St Albans City and Sutton United, and heading to the home of English football. The march to the arch will take in 15 clubs and create a fabulous finale.

The event has been backed by Rs manager Ian Holloway, while director of football and QPR legend Les Ferdinand, whose grandfather died from prostate cancer, urged supporters to get involved.

Ferdinand said: “I’ll admit prostate cancer wasn’t on my radar a decade ago; I knew nothing about it at all. Now I do. I lost my grandfather to prostate cancer and it’s also affected other members of my family too.

“I go and see my doctor every year without fail, and seeing the new statistics about the disease overtaking breast cancer to be the third biggest cancer killer only reinforces our need to get on the front foot and take action.

“For many years QPR fans have supported this hugely important cause, and that continues. In July fans from across London and the South East will converge on Wembley stadium in a serous of epic marathon marches all to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

“The Football March for Men will head via Loftus Road so I’m hoping to see an army of QPR supporters pounding the pavements and joining the rest of the football family in taking a stand.”

Holloway, one of more than 50 bosses to have backed the charity’s work in football this season, said: “New statistics about prostate cancer overtaking breast cancer as the third biggest cancer killer again brought this serious issue to the fore.

“As managers, and more importantly as men, it’s increasingly important we take our health seriously, so continuing to get behind the work of Prostate Cancer UK is a no-brainer for me.

“Football can always be force for change and greater good, and the club will continue to raise awareness of something that has affected one of our own, Les Ferdinand. We can’t stand still, so I’m delighted the Football March for Men will head to Loftus Road in July and I’d encourage Rangers fans to get involved and make a life-saving difference.”

Rs stalwart Jamie Mackie added: “Prostate cancer is a massive issue amongst men, and it’s been great to raise awareness of the dangers of this disease by wearing the ‘Man of Men’ logo on the back of my shirts.

“QPR have always supported the work of Prostate Cancer UK and it’s great to see another big walking event involving clubs in London and the South East. Hopefully many Rangers fans will join the Football March for Men and help us turn things round.”

• To sign up to a March for Men or find out more information go to: prostatecanceruk.org/footballmarch.