Early evening on 15th October 2013 (yes 10 years ago today), Stephen Prescott MBE had a visit in Oxford Churchill Hospital off his consultant, Anil Vaidya to say they had found a suitable donor.

Steve had waited quite a few weeks for the opportunity to arise, the clock was ticking, the answer was an unequivocal YES!

The 32 hour operation was a success, the great man was cancer free. It was graft versus host disease that later would sadly see his demise!

So much was learnt from Stephen’s bravery that has led to many many people being with us today, his legacy has continued to help those less fortunate on two fronts:

The pioneering operation and the incredible fundraising the Foundation has achieved in his name.

18 intrepid Steve Prescott Foundation supporters will fly out to Morocco tomorrow to take part in the Bespoke Funding SPF Mount Toubkal Challenge 2023.

They will be led by Steve Prescott MBE youngest son, Koby Prescott, who will be tackling his second major challenge after completing Everest Base Camp last year.

Koby said “As soon as I got back from Everest BC last year I said to my mum (Linzi Prescott) what’s next? I feel so passionate about keeping my dads name and legacy alive and supporting The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Rugby League Benevolent Fund Rugby League Cares
It is 10 years since we said goodbye and it was his wish for the Charity to continue and help those less fortunate than ourselves. I want to do what I can to help the charity!
My dad would have loved this test and this challenge is totally different than Everest, we have to climb Mount Toubkal and then trek by camel to the Sahara Desert, camp wild in the Sahara and then play the first game of rugby league. I am looking forward to seeing the Stars at night but not looking forward to the camel ride and the extremes of hot and cold! I have been told it could be 40 degrees plus through the day and then minus 10 degrees at night!
We have a great team assembled with Trustee Adrian Cunliffe and great charity supporter, Jonathan Fenney from Conquer Hiking and Trekking who has organised the whole challenge so I know we are in safe hands.
I would like to thank my team mates who have took time out from their busy schedules and families to join us, and thank everyone who has donated so far to make this happen.
It means so much to all at the SPF and our beneficiaries!”

The Bespoke Funding Team are:

Koby Prescott
Ade Cunliffe
Jonathan Fenney
Louise Griffin
Leon Griffin
Jon Delaney
Joel Wood
Chris Lowe
Olivia Eden
Chris Hodkinson
Gillian Roberts (worked at Oxford Churchill Hospital same time as Stephen)
Gj Oks
Hannah Davies
Jack Shukie
Zac Hancock
Matthew Jackson
Ian Pitts
Ste Cropper

Linzi Prescott said

“Taylor, Koby and I are as committed as ever to keep Stephen’s name and legacy alive! A lot of hills, mountains, sweat and tears have been shed since his passing, a lot of laughter, and experiences of a lifetime have also been made!
The Bespoke Funding SPF Mount Toubkal Team are going into this challenge as strangers but will become friends for life and have already amassed a great amount of funds that will make a significant difference to The Christie Charity and Rugby League Benevolent Fund.
I will see them off at Manchester Airport, a bit jealous that I will not be with them, but incredibly proud to see that Stephens name will continue to inspire people to go out of their comfort zone for the benefit of others!”

If you would like to sponsor Koby Prescott you can do so by going to: www.JustGiving.com/kobysspfmoroccochallenge2023