Celebrities send good luck messages to local cancer survivor trekking 4,000 miles across the Australian Outback

Former rally driver Steve ‘Sport’ Griffiths from Quarry Bank, has taken on the gruelling charity challenge after treatment for throat cancer left him struggling to swallow.

After hearing about the challenge, the original cast of 80s sitcom ‘Allo Allo’ posted a spoof video in costume to support Steve’s fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK.

Since then, he’s received messages from TV personalities Dick and Angel Strawbridge from ‘Escape to the Chateau’, former Villa player Garry Thompson and British motocross legend Dave Thorpe.

Steve, a Villa fan and former Peugeot Rally driver, who now restores WWII vehicles while caring for his father, said: “I’m so grateful to everyone who’s wished me well. I’m absolutely blown away by some of the messages I’ve received. Dave Thorpe has been my hero for over 40 years, so I was speechless when his message came through.

“Right now, I need all the motivation I can get so these messages really do mean the world to me.”

Steve is now halfway through the epic coast to coast challenge – called ‘Kicking Cancer’s Ass Across Australia’ – with friends who are also raising money for Australian cancer charity The McGrath Foundation.

The trek began on Saturday. July 5 at the Australian mainland’s westernmost location, Steep Point, near Perth. The five strong team will make their way across the Outback, wild camping along the way and crossing Aboriginal territory to the continent’s most easterly point, Byron Bay near Brisbane.

Steve has been warned to watch out for camels and kangaroos that like to chase vehicles as well as deadly snakes, spiders and potentially even crocodiles.

The 56-year-old biker was diagnosed with throat cancer in October 2023 after visiting the doctor with what he thought was an ulcer on his tongue that wouldn’t go away. He had to learn to swallow again after radiotherapy damaged his salivary glands, leaving him with a permanently dry mouth.

Motorcross personality Dave Thorpe, who has just returned from a long distance Honda event in Istanbul, said: “I’m just back from a Honda event. It’s nothing like the distance you’re going to do but I’m totally exhausted! I wish you luck with the trip, I hope it all goes well, and my thoughts are with you every step of the way.”

Garry Thompson, former Aston Villa forward, said: “After all you’ve been through, it’s a magnificent effort and you’ve got massive respect from me and everybody else. We’re just wishing you loads and loads of good luck. On behalf of the Villa family – go get it kid – go get it done!”

Actor Guy Sinner, who played Lieutenant Gruber in Allo Allo, stayed in character for a group message to Steve from the cast of the hit 80s sitcom. He said: “I, Helgar and Herr Flick would like to wish you good luck with your ride across Australia.” Actress Kim Hartman, playing Helga, also wishes Steve well before the message ends with actor Richard Gibson, as Herr Flick, saying: “That is all, now go away, or you will be shot!”

Angel Strawbridge added: “Best of luck with your adventures Steve, we are behind you every step of the way!”

The ride is expected to take 24 days with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 34°C.

Speaking after riding six days across Australia just to get the bikes to the start line, Steve said: “It’s cold right now so I’m hoping it will be too cold for the creepy crawlies to come out and I can stay warm in the tent. Hopefully we’ll see some different sights and enjoy what challenges are ahead because I know there are going to be some.”

While the Australian team members will be raising money for the McGrath Foundation, which helps breast cancer patients, Steve hopes to raise thousands for Cancer Research UK’s work to find kinder, better treatments for more than 200 types of cancers, including throat cancer.

To support Steve, visit his gofundme page.

To find out more about Cancer Research UK’s work visit cruk.org or call 0300 123 1022.