The Steve Prescott Foundation was launched by ex-Rugby League player Steve Prescott in 2007 after he was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of stomach cancer.

The Foundation raises funds for the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and The Christie Charity. It does this through a series of fundraising events, unique challenges and a number of supporter events. They also aim to inspire those faced with adversity to never give up and the punishing physical challenges they undertake are a true testiment to that.

The latest challenge was a "quadrathon" to Old Trafford in Manchester. The Engage Mutual Race to the Grand Final took place in October 2012.

Previous inspirational challenges that we have supported include end-to-end extreme and the Paris to London: Marathon Challenge.

about Steve Prescott MBE

Steve Prescott MBE had a Rugby League playing career that had taken him to the highest level: he played for St Helens, Hull, Wakefield, Ireland and was a GB Lions Tourist.

In September 2006, at the age of 32 and in the same week that his second son was born, Steve was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a rare form of Cancer. Steve was told that he would not see his two children grow up and was given just months to live.

Steve underwent a major operation in Basingstoke Hospital and tumours were removed from his abdomen. After surgery, Steve was transferred to The Christie Hospital in Manchester for chemotherapy treatment to try to control the remaining disease.  An inspiration to others, Steve continues to fight the disease whilst taking part in a range of challenges.

The concept of undertaking fundraising took shape in August 2007 and this signified the starting point of the Steve Prescott Foundation. Two organisations very close to Steve's heart receive the benefits of his fundraising activities. These are:

• The Christie: Based in Manchester The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 40,000 patients a year. This is where Steve is currently being treated. It is one of only two national specialist hospitals that specialises in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei in Britain.

• RFL Benevolent Fund: The Rugby League Benevolent Fund aims to support players whose lives are affected by serious injuries while playing the game of Rugby League.

our involvement with the Foundation

We first became involved with the Steve Prescott Foundation during our time as title sponsor of the Rugby League's premier tournament, the Engage Super League (2005-2011).  By supporting charities and local communities our involvement brought together the values of Engage Mutual with those of the game.

In 2008 we supported the Foundation's 'Long Walk Home'. This was the Foundation's first challenge - a sponsored walk from Hull to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, Manchester taking in 12 of the 14 Super League clubs along the way. We became the Steve Prescott Foundation's main sponsor in 2010.

As well as supporting - and occasionally taking part in - some of Steve's main fundraising events we also offer practical and organisational help to the Foundation. 

For more information about the Steve Prescott Foundation visit the Foundation's website.