Hawkins will run 42.2 miles in January in the charity’s blue and black colors to raise awareness and money for the disease, with Turnbull diagnosed in November 2017.
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Turnbull, who was an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, died with him Suffolk home on August 31 at the age of 66.
Hawkins, 47, said she will think of her old friend and colleague Turnbull “every step of the way” during the challenge, having worked with him on Good Morning Britain and Classic FM.
She said: “We so sadly lost Bill earlier this year after he bravely lived with prostate cancer for several years. “It is heartbreaking that he is no longer with us and he is sorely missed. This disease affects one in eight men, and like Bill, I want to do something to raise awareness to prevent more men and their families from suffering .
“Bill was a great person to work with. He was such a professional, a brilliant broadcaster and journalist, but also with a mischievous charm that could always make you laugh. He put everyone at ease and was well loved by all who knew and worked with him. “I know Bill also loved his fitness and put on his running shoes several times for charity. He used to do stretches during commercial breaks when we worked on GMB together, which embarrassed the rest of us.
“He used to say running was great because you don’t have to be good at it, or fast, you just get the feeling of having accomplished something by steadily improving. I am doing this challenge on his behalf and I hope to make him proud.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, although survival rates have improved, the charity said.
Run the Month has raised over £5.2 million as of October 2020. This year the squad includes Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden, Love Islander Arabella Chi and Channel 5 presenter Rob Bell, reality TV star Elliott Wright and fitness guru Mr Motivator.
The 70-year-old fitness fanatic, real name Derrick Evans, said: “As a man, prostate cancer is always on my radar and this is something to never ignore.
“I have friends who have dealt with prostate cancer and the treatment has been successful because it was caught early.
“So please let me encourage you to lace up your trainers and run 42.2 miles in January for this amazing cause.
“Imagine doing something that not only benefits you, but also provides much needed resources to Prostate Cancer UK.”
Meanwhile, 42-year-old Wright will take part in the challenge after his late father has been diagnosed with the disease.
He said: “I put on my sneakers because this terrible disease has affected my family. My wonderful dad Eddie was diagnosed in 2013. By then the cancer had spread beyond the prostate and the news was devastating to me and the family. “My father was a real family man, always cheerful and cheerful. He was my rock, the perfect role model and gave me the family values I cherish today. Despite the horrible conditions, he never complained or complained. He was so strong, so brave. We were devastated when he passed away in March 2021 after bravely battling Covid. “I’ve taken on this challenge before and it’s a great way to not only shake off Turkey and Quality Street, but also raise money for such a brilliant cause. To hopefully make sure other men don’t suffer the way he does. “Dad will be on my mind as I put on my Prostate Cancer UK running shirt, and knowing that every step will make a difference will only fuel me more. I can’t wait to get started.”
Sign up for the month at runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org.