Prescott elated after Sculthorpe lands honour (From St Helens Star)

Steve Prescott elated after Sculthorpe lands honour

9:18am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

RUGBY league supporters and charities across town have expressed delight after Paul Sculthorpe was honoured with the MBE in the New Year Honours List.

The former Saints and Great Britain captain has been awarded the accolade for a glittering career in the sport as well as his sterling efforts for good causes.

Oldham-raised Sculthorpe, made 256 appearances for Saints between 1997 and 2008, winning three Challenge Cups, four Super League titles and two World Club Challenges.

He is the only player to win the Man of Steel prize – awarded to the British game’s outstanding player – back-to-back.

Since injury cut short his career four years ago, the former Gillette model has worked in a business development role for Saints and has also raised significant funds for charities, particularly the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Sculthorpe, 35, joined his friend Prescott, as they conquered an epic Paris to London endurance challenge last April.

After news of the honour, messages of congratulations poured in from across the sport.

Sculthorpe wrote on Twitter: "Big thanks to everyone for their congrats on the MBE...can tell you everything during my career and after has been a pleasure!”

Prescott, who was honoured with the MBE two years ago was elated: "I cannot think of anyone more deserving of an MBE than Paul and his family.

“He was a leader on the field, one of the best players this country has produced in the last 30 years.

“Personally I cannot thank him enough for the way he has pulled me through many of the challenges we have faced over the past few years! He is a credit to our great game."