Neil McManus set off on a 125-mile walk this week from his home in Drayton toward Millwall's ground, The Den, covering the distance of five consecutive marathons over five days to arrive in time for Oxford United's final away fixture of the season.
The 47-year-old said the idea came to him on New Year's Eve after "a couple of bottles of red wine." He is now, by his own admission, "kind of regretting my life choices." The destination is a Championship match that carries little sporting significance for Oxford United, whose relegation has already been confirmed.
The purpose of the walk matters far more than the result. McManus was diagnosed with bladder cancer in December 2024 and described the news as "life-changing." He had been expecting a routine Christmas when the diagnosis arrived. "I was very, very much surprised," he said. Within a year, he was cleared. "Twelve months on, I'm now cancer-free."
McManus is raising money and awareness for Fight Bladder Cancer, a Chinnor-based charity that supports patients and families, campaigns for research, and raises public awareness of the disease. The charity reached out to him after his diagnosis, and he wanted to do something in return. "I'm really trying to raise awareness of bladder cancer and its symptoms," he said, stressing that early detection makes the disease "really, really treatable."
He had considered a similar walk the previous season when Oxford were away at Swansea, but decided the distance was too far. The trip to Millwall was more manageable, and with relegation already confirmed, it gave the walk its own sense of finality alongside the team's season.
McManus is expected to arrive at The Den on Saturday in time for kickoff.
