Steve Prescott played Rugby League for St Helens, Hull, Wakefield, Ireland and was a GB Lions Tourist.
In September 2006, Steve was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei a rare form of Cancer, he was told that he would not see his two children grow up; he was given months to live. He underwent a major operation in Basingstoke Hospital and tumours were removed from his abdomen. After surgery Steve was transferred to The Christie Hospital in Manchester for chemotherapy treatment to try to control the remaining disease.
The Steve Prescott Foundation was formed in August 2007. Steve decided that he wanted to give something back to people who needed it, after the kindness and support he received from the Rugby League community and the general public throughout the difficult time in his life. It was easy for Steve to decide which two charities he would raise money and awareness for, as they are both very close to his heart.
- The Christie: The Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 40,000 patients a year. This is where Steve is currently being treated. It is one of only two national specialist hospitals that specialises in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei in GB.
- Try Assist: Previously known as The Rugby League Benevolent Fund, and aims to support players whose lives are affected by serious injuries while playing the game of Rugby League.
The Long Walk Home was the first Event organised by the Foundation, it was a 200-mile walk, involving all the Super League Clubs within the M62 Corridor. It was a huge success with £60,000 raised. Since then the Foundation has expanded and at the moment we have given over £180,000 to the Charities, raised through events such as Rugby Legends Boxing each other to Steve completing the London Marathon in 2008.
Last year, The Foundation completed the Carnegie Challenge, which consisted of a 923-mile Cycle, a 24-mile row down the River Thames in a dragon boat and a 13-mile run into Wembley Stadium delivering the match ball for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final.
Steve at the moment is having a break from the intense Chemotherapy and is having 3 monthly scans to monitor the remaining disease. Having a terminal illness does not stop him from trying new challenges that pushes his body to the limits.
Steve was awarded with an MBE in the 2010 New Years Honours List for his services to Rugby League and Charity work.
Thank You for your Support
Members of the Foundation
Martin Blondel: Secretary (07971 792859)
Michael Denning: Chairman
Frank Elwick: Treasurer
Trustees of the Foundation
Michael Denning, Steve White, Linzi Prescott, Frank Elwick
Honorary President
Peter Hardman
Executive Sponsorship Manager
John Tabern
Committee Members
Paul Griffiths, Gary Brennand, John Parry, Paul Kilbride
Website Designer
Steve Webster - Neticonic