LEGENDARY Grand Prix commentator Murray Walker is backing a 3,600-mile rally being staged in the battle against one of Britain’s biggest killers.

More than 100 Jaguars from the 1950s are taking part in the Round Britain Coastal Drive (RBDC), to raise awareness of prostate cancer and fund research into the disease which kills more than 10,000 men in Britain every year.

It will start from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, where Murray, 93, will officially “flag away” the vehicles.

He said: “Although this is not a race it sounds like a great event. I wish the crews a really enjoyable drive.”

A similar rally staged last year netted £60,000 and organisers are hoping that the 2017 event will be even more successful.

In a message to those taking part in this year’s event Brian Johnson, lead singer of rock band AC/DC, and self-confessed petrol head, described the RBDC as a “fantastic adventure”.

He added: “I can only imagine the wonderful sight of that many cars together with that marvellous growl. I know you will raise a lot of money for this wonderful cause.”

After leaving Beaulieu on June 12 the cars will head for Exeter. They will visit various parts of England, Scotland and Wales before returning to Beaulieu on June 29.

Prostate cancer kills more than 10,000 men in Britain every year.

RBDC entrants include London-based XK Club member Patrick Hanratty, who is planning to take part in all 18 stages in his 150 Drop Head Coupé.

He is currently being treated for prostate cancer, having already battled bowel cancer.

An RBCD spokesman said: “Few men even know where their prostate gland is, so encouraging them to learn and check will save lives.”

Murray, who lives near Fordingbridge, is a frequent visitor to Beaulieu. His father Graham, who died in 1962, was the first curator of what was then the Montagu Motor Museum.