#TeamPrecky a team of over 50 runners of the GPW St Helens 10k last week pledged to raise funds and awareness of the Steve Prescott Foundation. The 6th running of the 10k saw 2000 people run in snow and sunshine and cheered along the route by the St Helens community.
The team included several novice 10k runners, a PMP survivor, a PGA golfer and a former rugby league player. Many of the team successfully raised £120 for the SPF and received a limited edition special SPF Million Pound Hoody as a token of appreciation.
Steve Hall, former Saints winger of CMH Vehicle Sales and Hire said, "We at CMH had 30 runners all running for #TeamCMH’’
‘We were joined by clients, friends, family in particular Allen Crawford from the St Helens Star Ian Pitts from Imperial Bar.’’
‘We have already raised over £2000 with monies still coming in.’’
‘Once again the raise was incredible! It’s the 4th year we have entered a team and up there with one of the best races around! and ive raced all over the country and in Europe. The Start/Finish to the race is like no other and truly is unique. The team consisted of some very experienced runners, intermediate and some first timers who absolutely loved it! No doubt we will be back next year, our aim to recruit 50 runners!’’
Martin Blondel of the SPF said, "CMH are integral to the success of the St Helens 10k. Without their unequivocal support we would not be able to gather up all the equipment with the use of their hydraulic Luton Van.’’
Clare Moorcroft of Urmston said, "I ran the 10k because after reading Steve Prescott's book last November I had to sign up and take part in something. I'd heard of Steve from SPF Trustee Ade Cunliffe who I work with. He's been inspirational himself and I've sponsored him for a few things including the Kilimanjaro trip. I started the couch to 10k program and I've really enjoyed getting fit. On the day itself I didn't manage to run all the way round but I made sure to run the last few metres! Giving Ade a high five as I crossed the finishing line was brilliant.’’
Alison Battersby said, "This was my first St Helens 10k race in fact my first official race at all! I wanted to raise money for the Steve Prescott Foundation because he was a true inspiration to me and I had the pleasure of watching him play for Saints on many occasions. He had courage and strength and a tremendous will to help others. The foundation does amazing work. The race day was brilliant and I loved it - even with snow !! And thank god for the hoodie as it prevented me getting hyperthermia ha ha !! Is definitely do it again and would recommend the whole experience to others! Fab day x thank you.’’
Julie Grace from St Helens said, "I only started to run in September 2015 to get fit. I couldn't run for more than a minute then. I started the NHS couch to 5k, completed that by November and needed something to motivate me through the dark, gloomy nights of winter so signed up for the 10k.’’
‘’I was nervous on the day as being new to running and not having done anything like it before I didn't know what to expect and wondered if I would survive the dreaded North Road! It was amazing and I loved every minute and can't wait to sign up for next year's! The supporters on the route were brilliant and I found it quite emotional at times. I was delighted that I completed the course in 1hr 6mins and hope to better this time next year.’’
‘’I chose to support the SPF as I am a Saints supporter and my son plays for Thatto Heath Swords U15's where I am the team first aider so rugby is a big part of my life. Steve was a local boy playing in a local team and after reading his book he inspired me tremendously with his courage and determination. When I thought I couldn't do anymore during training I thought about what Steve put his body through and what he achieved during his illness and this helped me to push that bit further. It feels good to be able to raise money for people in need and it is great to see the likes of Luke Bryan benefiting from money raised to help give him a better quality of life after such a devastating injury."
Warrington based PGA golfer Phil Archer commented, "I thoroughly enjoyed the run on Sunday and thoughts the crowds were great watching. It's only the second St. Helens 10k I've done, last years and this 46.21 and 45.44 times which I'm quite happy’’
PMP survivor Andrew Chapman travelled up from Oxfordshire to take part in his first St Helens 10k said, "I thought the St Helens 10k was fantastic! It was really well organised and it had a great atmosphere. I also found it very challenging and unfortunately I didn't quite get the time I was hoping for. But I was so pleased I finished it, considering what I've been through! The locals were fantastic and really gave us great support. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the event and I will definitely be back to do it again next year! I am also really thankful to everyone that sponsored me. We've raised £700. And I really hope it will help the SPF.’’
‘‘Like Steve I was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Originally it was thought I had appendicitis. It was only when I had a inguinal hernia operation in April 2014, it was discovered I had PMP. I was then referred to Basingstoke Hospital and had my operation on the 2nd of September 2014. I was very unfortunate to suffer a lot of complications after my 14 hour operation. However, I was very fortunate they were able to remove all the cancer. I had some organs removed and I had to have a stoma bag. After 2 months and 2 weeks I made a very good recovery.’’
‘’Reading Steve's book One in a Million has really inspired me. I never met him, nor even heard of him until I was diagnosed with PMP. Then I read Steve's book. It helped me so much. He has given me the courage and the drive to get back on my feet. And it has made me want to give something back as I feel blessed I've been given a second chance in life. As I said to Linzi, I do sometimes feel so guilty that I am one of the lucky ones. I really hope I can help others. After my surgery I never thought I would ever be able to run or do any sport again. But thanks to Mr.Cecil and the PMP team at Basingstoke, I've made a full recovery.’’
Linzi Prescott says, "I think it is fantastic that Andrew signed up for the St Helens 10k after undergoing major surgery in September 2014. I do hope he has recovered from the complications following the operation and has recovered well. The PMP team at Basingstoke are amazing and do a fantastic job.’’
Andrew has already raised a fantastic £800 and met up with SPF trustee Steve White and Martin Blondel after the race. (Pic)
Julie Hindley said, "his was my first 10k and I absolutely loved it. I definitely want to do it again next year and would certainly recommend it to anyone. The atmosphere was great and finishing inside Langtree Park was something special.
I decided I wanted to be involved when I saw the run last year and, as a keen Saints supporter, there was no doubt that I’d choose the Steve Prescott Foundation as my nominated charity. The funds go to great causes and Steve is a total inspiration.
My training since Christmas did go not to too well due to an Achilles injury and a bout of tonsillitis; two weeks before the race I thought may need to pull out. However, when my race number arrived I knew there was no way I wasn’t going to do it and I’d limp around if necessary! On the day I started near the back of all the runners but thankfully my ankle held up and I finished in a fairly respectable (chip) time of 1:06:07. I wore my North Road Survivor tee shirt with pride for the rest of the day.’’
It’s wonderful to know that the legacy of the inspirational Steve Prescott can motivate people to challenge themselves, improve their health and raise funds for charity in order to help other people.
#TeamPrecky, thank you so much for your fantastic support