Service & Game to celebrate life of Steve Prescott MBE

ST. HELENS and the world of rugby league will be uniting to celebrate the life of Saints legend Steve Prescott MBE when one of the borough's most eye-catching landmarks is named in his honour.

The footbridge linking the town centre to Langtree Park - home of the Saints - will become the Steve Prescott Bridge at a special ceremony to mark the event on Friday February 21.

It takes place before the St. Helens v Hull game - where the two sides who Steve served so well, will contest the inaugural Steve Prescott Cup.

The event kicks off at 5.30pm with a welcome from Radio 5 Live presenter and Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF) Ambassador George Riley.

There will be speeches from Steve's son Taylor Prescott, Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus plus live Granada Reports interviews involving Council Leader Barrie Grunewald, Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe and Steve's widow Linzi.

The bridge designs will be presented to the Prescott family by Councillor Grunewald who said: "Steve was a first class ambassador not only for rugby but for the town. As well as being a legend of the game he is also honoured for his tireless fundraising for his Steve Prescott Foundation.

"Naming the bridge after him is our tribute to one of the greats of St. Helens. It's a well-deserved honour and a fitting one - with the bridge linking Steve's beloved town and club."

Singing at the event will be Tom Loughlin, son of Saints legend Paul, Sophia Ben Yousef and the St. John Vianney School Choir - where Steve was a pupil - who are performing even though they are on half term holiday.

There's also a 13 strong contingent of former players who played with Steve from St. Helens and 13 from Hull plus all the Steve Prescott Foundation Ambassadors.

Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus said: “It is more than apt that the bridge rightly named after Steve connects his home town to his home rugby team.

“Both entities are honoured and privileged to have produced such a truly exceptional person whose selflessness and courage will now never be forgotten.”

Mike Denning Chairman of The Steve Prescott Foundation added: "This is very fitting for a real life Hero and Sporting icon born here in our town. Steve has inspired so many and has raised awareness of not only the very rare form of cancer which he battled but also the plight of those injured or fallen on hard times in the great game of Rugby League. We would like to thank all parties associated with the renaming of the Steve Prescott Bridge!”