Rugby league star thanks his supporters

Former Hull FC and Wakefield player Steve Prescott, 37, who was also capped for England, said his foundation could not have raised the 250,000 it has without the help of the public.

Speaking after the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony, hosted by the Prince of Wales, Prescott, from St Helens, said: "I feel this medal I've got in front of me is a 'people's award', it's for everybody's help and generosity and support – that's how I class this now."

The former rugby league player was told he would not live to see his two children grow up when he was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei – a slow-growing tumour – in 2006.

But after an operation to remove the growth, which has no known cure, he set up a foundation to raise funds for Manchester's Christie Hospital where he was treated and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.