'i had to fight this disease. i could give in or prove the medics wrong.'

BEING told that you have six months to live and will not see your sons grow up would be too much to bear for many people. But for ex- international rugby star, Steve Prescott it gave him the determination to try to prove the doctors wrong.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2010, 11:23 BST

Steve suffers from a rare stomach cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 32, within days of the birth of his second son, Koby.

At the time, he was given between six and 12 months to live, but Steve has since walked hundreds of miles, twice completed the London marathon and raised more than 250,000 for the Steve Prescott Foundation, a charity he set up following his diagnosis to raise funds for the Christie Cancer Hospital (one of only two centres in Britain dedicated to the treatment of his condition) and the Try Assist Rugby League Benevolent Fund.

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Steve had a glittering career with St Helens, Hull RLFC and Wakefield Wildcats, winning the Challenge Cup with

St Helens in 1996 and 1997 as well as caps for England and Ireland.

He faced many physical and mental challenges during his professional career, but none more than the one he faced after he was given the doctor's dire predictions.

"I realised that I had to fight this disease – for Linzi and the boys. I could give in or prove the medics wrong," says Steve who also has son Taylor, eight, a talented footballer who

has just signed for Liverpool under-nines.

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In November 2006, Steve underwent 12 hours of surgery, removing 10 kilos of mucus and 80 per cent of

the tumours.

Despite his own extreme situation, Steve has become a beacon of hope for those in similar circumstances.

The Steve Prescott Foundation is now recognised internationally. He is a passionate believer that illness and disability should not prevent a person from achieving challenges.

Steve lives in Lancashire but still enjoys great support from Yorkshire.

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He collected an MBE from Buckingham Palace earlier this year, will be parachuting with the Red Devils on June 30 when he will be joined by sports stars including Jimmy Gittens who broke his neck in two places while playing for Sharlston Rovers at the age of 28. Steve still had to undergo treatment for his condition, and goes for six-monthly

check-ups, but maintains he is fitter than when he was playing rugby.

n The Steve Prescott Foundation (sponsored by Engage Mutual) – visit www.steveprescott foundation.co.uk

n Men's Health Week runs from June 14 to 20.

To find out more, visit menshealthforum.org

Related topics:St HelensMBE