Speedo Mick has come out of retirement to take part in his first fundraising challenge in two years as he supports the The Walk for Leon today (Sunday 2nd August 2026).
Speedo Mick, whose real name is Michael Cullen, is a prominent charity fundraiser known for his trademark blue swimming trunks and Everton FC scarf who has raised over £1 million through grueling charity walks across the UK.
He is joining a group of friends on their 20 mile fundraising walk between Southport Football Club on Haig Avenue and Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, calling at Goodison Park on the way.
They are raising money for 35-year-old Southport dad-of-three Leon Skapars, a self-employed local plasterer who has been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer.
passionate Everton supporter who is battling stage 4 cancer.
Leon is a proud dad to three young boys aged 10, 4 and 2 years old and his family are determined to try and secure treatment for him that is not available on the NHS.
You can donate here: Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
Leon’s wife, Crystal Duffey said:
“I’ve got some huge news to share. This is absolutely mega.
“Speedo Mick has heard Leon’s story. He’s come down from London for the walk this Sunday.
“He’s come out of retirement for his first walk in two years to take part in the The Walk for Leon.
“He is going to be joining the lads as they take on a 20-mile walk from Southport Football Club before going to Everton Football Club’s former ground Goodison park and then their current ground Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“Leon is the biggest Evertonian you could find. He’s even got the Everton tattoo on his arm!
“So this is so special to him.
“Leon is just 35 years old. He is a self-employed plasterer, a local lad, and he’s got three young boys.
“He is fighting for his life against an aggressive and rare form of cancer.
“The NHS options are very limited to a daily tablet to try and slow down the disease, giving him just one to three years to live.
“We are fundraising to help Leon to access treatment not available on the NHS, which stands a chance of getting him into remission.
“If you see the lads walking, please do pop a few bob in the buckets.
“You can also donate via our GoFundMe link here: Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
“Every single penny, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in helping Leon to access this treatment and give him a chance to be here with me and our boys.
“Please help by sharing our posts and spreading awareness of Leon’s story.
“Thank you all so much.”
Leon’s Friends will be travelling via Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Goodison Park and Anfield the home of Liverpool FC along the way.
The nine friends organising and completing the walk have known Leon for more than 20 years.
Paul Mills one of the organisers said:
“Leon has always been there for his friends and family, and now it is our turn to be there for him.
“We know that walking 20 miles will be challenging, but it is nothing compared with what Leon and his family are facing every day.
“The response so far has been overwhelming. People who know Leon personally, as well as complete strangers who have heard his story, have donated, shared our posts and offered their support.
“Whether the donation was large or small, every single contribution has made a genuine difference and has shown Leon and his family that they are not facing this fight alone. We cannot thank our sponsors enough along with the football clubs.
“Their generosity has helped us promote the event, raise awareness of Leon’s story and ensure that more of the money raised can go towards helping Leon access treatment.
“We’re so grateful, but we still need one final push. We’re now just over £1,000 short of our fundraising target for the walk.
“If you’re able to donate, we’d be incredibly thankful. If you can’t, simply sharing our GoFundMe page Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
on social media could help us reach more people.
“Every pound raised brings Leon one step closer to the treatment he desperately needs.”
As a lifelong Evertonian, finishing the walk at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium will be particularly meaningful for Leon, his family and the walkers.
The support received from both football clubs has demonstrated how football can bring people and communities together, regardless of club colours, when someone needs help.
To follow the progress of the walk follow the Walk for Leon Facebook page. Your likes, shares and messages of support will mean a great deal to Leon, his family and everyone taking part.
Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
Event Information
Event: Walk for Leon
Date: Sunday 2 August 2026
Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Starting point: Southport Football Club
Finishing point: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Purpose: To raise funds to help Leon access specialist treatment for stage 4 cancer
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
