Former rugby league international Steve Prescott, who has recently been awarded an MBE for his remarkable fundraising efforts despite battling a rare form of stomach cancer, has signed up for this year's Great Manchester Run on Sunday 16th May 2010 to raise money for The Christie.

The former England and Ireland international and St Helens, Hull and Wakefield full-back was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei in September 2006 the day after the birth of his youngest son Koby. Following his diagnosis Steve, who has another son called Taylor, underwent emergency surgery and then took part in a clinical trial at The Christie with a new form of chemotherapy.

Although the 36 year old is still undergoing intense treatment for the disease, Steve's fundraising efforts have seen him complete an epic 199 mile charity walk taking in every Super League Club within the M62 corridor, cycle 900 miles between Perpignan and Windsor Castle, row 24 miles along the River Thames in a dragon boat and run a half-marathon to deliver the match ball to Wembley in time for the Challenge Cup final.

Since setting up the Steve Prescott Foundation, he has raised more than £180,000 for The Christie and the RFL Benevolent Fund, which helps sick and injured Rugby League Players.

He said; "When I found out I had cancer, we were all devastated. I couldn't bear the thought of not seeing my sons Taylor and Koby grow up, or share many more happy years with my wife Linzi.

"My condition is stable at the moment and I am taking it one day and one scan at a time. But life is for living and I'm determined to do as much as possible to raise as much money as possible for The Christie. The work that is carried out there and the care I've received has been first-class in every way.

"Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, so I'd really urge as many people as possible to sign up for the Great Manchester Run for The Christie this year."

Thousands of participants have run for The Christie since the Great Manchester Run was launched in 2003, but this is the first time it has been selected as the main local charity.

Head of sporting events at the Christie charity, Jenny Haskey, said; "Registration for the run is now open, but places do go quickly so do act now to avoid disappointment. Visit www.greatrun.org and we'd be delighted if, like Steve, you choose The Christie as your chosen charity. All the money raised will help cancer patients now and in the future."

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