Former St Helens, Hull and Wakefield Wildcats rugby league international Steve Prescott MBE passed away on the 9th November 2013. He spent seven years battling Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a rare form of abdomen cancer. He was an incredibly inspirational person and his legacy will continue with fundraising events for the Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF) which supports the Christie Hospital, the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and the Oxford Intestinal Unit.
The walk sets off on 5th May and aims to reach John O’Groats on 16th May. The route will reach Warrington on Friday 9th May at 1700. The same day Warrington Wolves host Catalan Dragons at the Halliwell Jones stadium kick off 2000. The walkers will be presented to the crowd before the game as they depart on the next leg of their journey.
8 walkers will divide into two teams, the challenge will be continuous 24 hours a day.
The participants are Ex Rugby League Stars Paul Sculthorpe, Lee Briers, Tommy Martyn, Ex Premiership Referee and cancer battler Mark Halsey, State of Mind Trustee Phil Cooper, SPF Chairman Mike Denning & Committee Member Ade Cunliffe and inspirational ex rugby league player Jimmy Gittins who broke his neck playing rugby league. Jimmy is paraplegic but will take part in a specially designed hand cycle.
The SPF are elated to bring on board great charity State of Mind with their ambassador Jimmy Gittens and Phil Cooper, Mike Denning SPF Chairman said "It is fantastic that both great causes will be working alongside each other, raising funds and awareness. Steve would be delighted that we are taking every step together!"
Due to the continuous nature of the massive challenge ahead, the SPF are delighted to have secured the services of a luxury 18 bed Starhome that will travel ahead of the intrepid walkers and provide sleeping, eating facilities. The luxury vehicle has 3 showers, plasma tv’s and full cooking facilities that Scoff’’s Outside Catering will utilise providing food and refreshments.
Martin Blondel said “This is going to be the most demanding challenge the SPF have undertook, it is a Challenge that Steve would have relished. We have a fantastic diverse team of walkers who are going to attempt the full walk. The Starhome will provide an excellent base, it is five star luxury that the walkers will need to rest up and recuperate. They will only have 8 hours rest before they have to walk another 8 hours, We want the public, clubs and associations to join in and support not only the walkers but Steve’s legacy!”
Picture cortesy of Bernard Platt
The SPF are also in talks with leading personalities in Sport who will join the walk on a daily basis. More announcements will follow,
If you would like to join in the walk at any stage or your team or association would like to get involved and raised funds for your club, the SPF and continue Steve Prescott’s legacy please contact Martin Blondel- SPF General Manager on 07971 792859