Rollercoaster of emotions for Prescott as battle with terminal cancer goes on (From St Helens Star)

Rollercoaster of emotions for Steve Prescott as battle with terminal cancer goes on

8:00pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News

AFTER a week in which he endured a rollercoaster of emotions, Steve Prescott described a stint in hospital as part of the “reality of living with cancer”.

The St Helens hero crashed through the mental and physical barriers necessary to drive himself through an epic 48 hour endurance mission.

He then experienced the elation of arriving at Old Trafford for the Grand Final to complete the challenge.

However, a bout of illness that followed, resulting in a four day stay at Whiston Hospital, served as a reminder that he lives a daily battle with cancer.

Steve was well enough to attend Friday’s Pride of St Helens awards that was organised by his charity and he was overjoyed with its success.

But, as he revealed to his 10,000 followers on Twitter, a further appointment with specialists on Monday at the Christie Hospital reinforced the harsh reality that the rare abdominal cancer he has been fighting for six years, has always been, and will remain, terminal.

With brutal honesty the 38-year-old father-of-two conceded it has been a period which has left him “battling his demons”, but friends say he is recovering from the bout of illness and is focused on planning his charity’s itinerary for the next year.

In a statement last week, Steve explained the physical demands of the last challenge left him drained and lacking in natural fuels and fluids, causing his bowel to stop functioning properly.

He said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and messages over the past few days, it really does mean a lot and I am very grateful.”

“These events give me focus and the fitness helps with my condition.

"I am looking forward to getting back in the gym, but I will have a couple of days’ rest. What I have been through this week is not a first for me.

"It is something which happens and I have learnt to deal with over the past few years as part of my illness.

“Most people only see me when I am doing well, but unfortunately, I still have the remaining disease which presents hurdles which I have to overcome.

"This was just one of them. It is unfortunate that it has happened so soon after the event, causing it to be highlighted, but I suppose this is the reality of living with cancer. I will stay positive and I will come back stronger."

Steve will meet with his specialist at The Christie, Mark Saunders, in a few weeks and may undertake a course of proactive chemotherapy.

If you would like to donate to Steve’s effort please go to justgiving.com/StevePrescott1