HE is normally the man with a plan, the diligent behind-the-scenes operator, who keeps the momentous Steve Prescott Foundation challenges ticking along.

But the charity’s latest adventure saw its secretary Martin Blondel stepping forward to push himself through the pain barrier.

It was not the burning blisters or aching muscles of stamina-sapping challenges that Martin faced – but the agonising pain, as the trainee beauticians from St Helens College waxed away the hair on his legs, arms and back.

Afterwards, Martin said he believed Steve – who passed away in November after fighting cancer for more than seven years – would be looking down from above with a broad grin on his face.

He said: “Getting waxed has to be the most painful experience of my life.

“I’m sure Steve would have been laughing if he could have seen me going through the pain.

“I have watched Steve participate in so many challenges and events.

“I thought it was my time to do my little bit to help the charity continue to grow.

“I would like to give a special thanks to St Helens College and other businesses who continue to support us to help those who are less fortunate.”

Activities organised by the college’s staff and students, in conjunction with the Steve Prescott Foundation, took place around St Helens College during two days of fundraising.

Cake stalls and face painting, a combined 300-mile run on the college treadmills and the waxing helped rake in £700.