Blues legend Marcus Stewart made an emotional return to Portman Road last night at the completion of March of the Day IIMarch of the Day II, which was raising funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

Stewart, 52, and ex-Liverpool and Bradford City full-back Stephen Darby, who have both been diagnosed with the disease, were behind the first March of the Day last year which saw ex-players and fans walk all or part of the distance from Bradford City’s Valley Parade to Anfield in Liverpool, taking in 19 clubs on the way, raising £200,000 in the process.

March of the Day II started at Wembley on Friday and in stages of around four or five miles took in grounds around London before moving east through Essex and Suffolk, before arriving in Ipswich last night.

While most of the around 600 participants were involved for only sections of the route, between them 16 core walkers, who included Stewart’s wife Louise and Town captain Matt Holland, covered the whole 179 miles. Stewart, who spoke to TWTD about the event last week, did the first and last stages.

Ex-Blues Terry Butcher, Russell Osman, Simon Milton, Cole Skuse, Darren Bent, Freddie Sears, Stuart Slater, Gavin Johnson, Kevin Lisbie and former keeper-coach Jimmy Walker were also among 56 ex-pros taking part at some stage.

The arrival in Ipswich was an emotional affair with a large crowd as well as representatives of the football club including chairman and CEO Mark Ashton as well as Stewart’s Blues manager George Burley.

Donations to March of the Day II can be made via the Core Team Fundraising Page, while Blue Action and Dan Botten, author of several Town books, were also taking part and raising funds.

Photo: ITFC/Matchday Images

MaySixth added 10:50 - Mar 24 Legend.
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WestSussexBlue added 12:36 - Mar 24 There’s probably only One or Two signings that were announced sine Marcus that have got me as excited. When the news broke that we’d managed to complete the deal, especially from a Play off rival in Huddersfield I was absolutely delighted. Even more surprised that they then allowed him to play against them. How many times have I watched that deft header at Wembley in the Play off final I don’t know, what I do know is it brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes every time. For sure is and always will be a Town Legend. Thank you Marcus.

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Churchman added 15:16 - Mar 24 In his prime and with decent service, Stewart was absolutely lethal. Not the quickest in a running race, he was over that first couple of yards - his speed of thought, positioning left opponents struggling every time. Roll back his age and he could have played in the modern game, no problem. One of the best forwards to ever play for us, despite his time here being relatively short. It was a privilege to see Marcus play.

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armchaircritic59 added 18:16 - Mar 24 I'm old enough to have seen the likes of Crawford and Phillips, as well as Mariner and Brazil. I'd say at his best, Marcus belongs in a sentence that includes those names, he wouldn't be out of place. Pity he couldn't have a got a shot at the big time when he was younger, I believe he was 27 when he joined us. All the very best Marcus, we'll never forget your contribution to ITFC.

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churchmans added 21:59 - Mar 24 100% best striker for me i have ever seen in a town shirt! Man had some unbeliavble natural finishing abililities!
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slade1 added 06:57 - Mar 25 There has been disputes on here all season about team selection, tactics, people moaning at the manager and players etc, but this article pushes all that into the background and makes me realise its not important. At this moment in time, I couldn't care less who we play in goal or who should play the No. 10 role. I don't even care what league we are in next season. Reading and watching the article has brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye, Best of luck Marcus and all the luck in the world to you and everyone fighting illness.

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