WHEN Paul Sculthorpe promised to "smash" the gruelling Marathon des Sables he did so fuelled by the thought that his friend Steve Prescott had dreamed of taking on the challenge.

Scully, the former Saints captain and his running partner Nick Wilkinson, conquered the 156 mile challenge across the Sahara desert which is described as the "world's toughest footrace".

Both finishing with a time of 54hrs 38 minutes and are within touching distance of reaching their goal of £20,000 for the Steve Prescott Foundation.

The fearsome duo have been showered with praise by wellwishers and supporters who took to Twitter to offer their congratulations.

Anthony Mercer posted: "Lost for words. Watched Saints since 1966. And if there is one thing the club is it's heart."

BBC Radio 5's George Riley and foundation committee member Ade Cunliffe, who are both no strangers to raising cash for the foundation added their comments. George simply wrote: "Machines. MACHINES."

Ade who scaled Mt Kilimanjaro said: "Superb chaps. Simply superb."

Martin Blondel, general manager of the Steve Prescott Foundation, said: "I discussed this with Steve three to four years ago but because of the infection implications I talked him out of it. I know Steve would have been with them every step of the way urging them. I can't thank them enough.

"Scully knew Steve wanted to do it. He is an outstanding person. Having looked at the pictures and videos no wonder it's called the toughest footrace on earth.

"We have already discussed Scully's next challenge – and it's on Mars!"

You can still donate via justgiving.com/ScullyWilkyMDS