The Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF) is delighted to announce the donation of a magnificent £50,000 to the Rugby Football League Benevolent Fund – the charity that provides assistance to players, and the family of players who have suffered life-changing injuries playing Rugby League. It also provides support and advice to players who receive diagnosis of severe illness. The donation was made to Steve Ball, the General Manager of the RFL Benevolent Fund by SPF Trustee Linzi Prescott at the home of one of the beneficiaries Luke Bryan.
Luke of Haydock had a catastrophic accident whilst playing rugby 20 years ago resulting in a serious spinal injury. In 2016 Luke moved into a specially adapted bungalow with his mum and sister, thanks to the donations of the SPF.
Following a review of Luke's needs, further modifications have now been made to the bungalow to ensure Luke's ongoing comfort and safety.
The RFL Benevolent Fund has received £661,880 in donations from the SPF since its inception in 2007. The SPF is immensely proud to continue to support the great work of the RFL Benevolent Fund and the care it gives.
Steve Ball General Manager of the RFL Benevolent Fund said “In a year when we have lost revenue from our main fundraising events, the SPF continued support has once again been invaluable. We have been able to support Luke’s home renovations, aid Mose Masoe’s incredible rehabilitation and continue to provide assistance to those who have suffered serious injuries by playing the game we love.
These donations are made possible by the fantastic support of everyone who has raised funds and volunteered their services for the SPF during 2020. It has been such a difficult year for everyone, but the commitment and support has been phenomenal.”
The SPF donation is the culmination of the amazing fundraising and donations from supporters and sponsors for SPF events during 2020. These include Taylor Prescott’s amazing 7 Ultra Marathons in 7 days and the GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k run. Sadly all of our other planned fundraising challenges were cancelled. However, people were incredibly supportive during the first lockdown of the SPF virtual events, the Road to Wembley Challenge and the LEJOG 10k run. A special mention goes out to Jimmy Gittins Herculean efforts walking round his garden, Paul Sculthorpe’s 40 hours on a Watt bike, Dave Howarth’s fifty 10k runs in 50 days and the Leigh family 24-hour Watt bike challenge. And there was the memorable occasion when Johnny Vegas had his televised ‘socially distanced haircut’ hindered by Paul Sculthorpe. We are eternally thankful to everyone for their magnificent support.
From the outset of the Covid pandemic we were able to be proactively involved in several community projects. Our ambassadors and volunteers dedicated their time and efforts to helping other people.
During Lockdown One we: -
- Coordinated the delivery of over 4,000 Eccleston Arms Essential meals by our volunteers
- Managed and assisted with PPE shortfall.
- Received the Daily Telegraph Britain's Coronavirus Community Hero Award
- Purchased and donated two Paxman Scalp Cooling Machines at a cost of £28,500 to the Lilac Centre, St Helens Hospital.
During Lockdown 2 our volunteers delivered 2511 Eccleston Arms “No One Goes Hungry Meals”
The SPF will also make a donation to The Christie later his month.