The Steve Prescott Foundation has joined forces with St Helens Council to encourage people aged between 40 and 74 to book their free NHS health check.

The council’s public health team were delighted to receive the foundation’s backing for their campaign which highlights that early detection of risks can make a huge difference to a person’s overall health.

The foundation’s Martin Blondel said: “It is one of the aims of the SPF to promote health and wellbeing among the community, and we are privileged to be associated with the St Helens Council and NHS initiative for health checks.

“Steve spent his final years battling cancer, and I can think of no finer tribute to his memory than as many people as possible taking preventative action to avert potentially serious health conditions.”

He added: “More than 40 per cent of runners doing the 10k are over 40, and it is essential that they keep as fit and healthy as possible. Regular health checks are vital in achieving this.”

The health initiative, one of the sponsors of the 10k run, helps to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and helps to identify problems early and start treatments for people aged 40 to 74.

Everyone in this age group will be invited for a health check by their GP every five years, starting in April.