A motion has been tabled in Parliament to mark the achievements of the late Steve Prescott, calling him “a hero in sport and in life”.
Tabled by the chairman of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, the motion recognises Prescott’s playing career with St Helens, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Hull FC and Thatto Heath and his remarkable charity work since he was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei in 2006.
The former England and Ireland full-back lost his seven-year fight with the rare form of stomach cancer on Saturday, at the age of 39.
The MPs have also added their weight to the growing campaign to add Prescott’s name to the Super League Man of Steel award.
Mulholland, who has written to Prescott’s family expressing the group’s sorrow at their loss, said: “Steve was a true hero. Not only was he a fantastic player, he was a fantastic person who did not let anything get in his way.
“His selfless and tireless fundraising against such incredible personal circumstances has – and will continue to have – the most profound impact on people. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, his friends and with those whose lives he touched.”
A requiem mass will be celebrated at Lowe House Church, North Road, St Helens on Monday at 11am and will be followed by a private committal at St Helens crematorium.
The full motion reads:
“Steve Prescott MBE That this House mourns the passing of Steve Prescott MBE; celebrates a hero in sport and in life; recognises his rugby league footballing talent for England, Ireland, Lancashire, St Helens, Hull F.C., Wakefield Trinity and Thatto Heath Crusaders; admires his ability to create and face incredible challenges after being diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei commends his assiduous fundraising efforts despite his condition; is grateful to Steve and his family, friends and the rugby league community for supporting him and all those involved in his incredible feats to raise money for worthy causes; is humbled by his truly inspiring nature; feels that adding his name to the Man of Steel award would be fitting tribute to a genuine man of steel.”
We could not agree more, the Steve Prescott Man of Steel