TAYLOR Prescott will embark on his most remarkable endurance challenge to date this weekend – but he needs the backing of Star readers to support him.
The teenager has vowed to keep driving forward the Steve Prescott Foundation, the charity set up by his dad Steve, who fought an incredible battle with cancer before his death in 2013.
Taylor, from Eccleston, will join the charity’s Wembley Lockdown Challenge to run seven ultra marathons in seven days.
He will aim to complete a virtual 216 mile journey to Wembley for what would have been Challenge Cup Final day.
That’s almost 31 miles per day for seven consecutive days, for a runner who usually goes no further than 10k.
The event will start on Sunday, July 12, from 11am at Ruskin Sports Village, running for seven days.
Taylor (right) with brother Koby with their dad Steve Prescott during his cancer battle
And there are opportunities to run alongside Taylor to get him through this epic challenge.
A maximum of three people can run alongside Taylor, to give him support and help him raise awareness and funds for the SPF.
“I enjoy running more than cycling and walking to be honest,” said the 18-year old as he announced his challenge.
“Normally I run once or twice a week and a maximum 10k. Last week I did a 22 mile run and I felt alright so I was testing the waters.”
Since losing his dad in 2013, footballer Taylor has thrown himself into a series of challenges alongside mother Linzi, brother Koby and their army of SPF ambassadors and supporters.
Dad Steve took on a series of incredible challenges
Last summer on the 10th anniversary of Steve’s epic 900-mile cycle, 27-mile row, and 13-mile run from Perpignan to Wembley, Taylor led from the front to complete the same gruelling 13-day challenge with a team of fundraisers.
It was an event that has given him the taste to take on more feats of endurance, although the announcement of his first solo challenge would make even Steve’s eyes water.
“It’s going to be difficult backing up each day, trying to get the rest in. Most of the other challenges have been with a team so I’ve had team spirit and motivation. This one is going to be a lot tougher mentally and physically”.
Steve Prescott was diagnosed with the rare abdominal cancer pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) in 2006 and given just months to live.
He set up the SPF and embarked on a series of gruelling endurance challenges, raising almost half a million pounds before his death seven years later. The Foundation has gone from strength to strength since the loss of its founder and inspiration.
“I know my dad is inspiring people now,” says Taylor.
“With the coronavirus this year has been difficult for the SPF so I want to raise funds and help the RFL Benevolent Fund too for Mose Masoe and The Christie.
“I’m hoping me dad is watching me and that he’s proud.”
The SPF Wembley Lockdown Challenge is open to everyone and is now up and running, finishing on July 18.
All entrants can choose to virtually run, walk or cycle the distance from their hometown club to Wembley. Over £14,000 has already been raised by the 40 entrants and counting, whose fundraising efforts for the SPF will be rewarded with a special Precky t-shirt and challenge certificate.
Taylor's challenge will be backed by GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k Winner Matt Crehan and his St Helens shop “Made to Run”, which will be providing nutritional and running advice.
How to run with Taylor
- This marathon challenge will start on Sunday, July 12 at 11am.
- A maximum of three people can run alongside Taylor, to give him support and help him raise awareness and funds for the SPF.
- If you can run a pace of 10k an hour and would like to join in Taylor's Ultra Marathon Challenge please contact Taylor or Linzi Prescott.
Here is the schedule
The times are subject to alteration.
Sunday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
Monday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
Tuesday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
Wednesday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
Thursday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
Friday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
Saturday
11.00 3 Places
12.00 3 Places
13.00 3 Places
14.00 3 Places
15.00 3 Places
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