MARTIN Blondel, one of the driving forces behind the Steve Prescott Foundation, is among the nominees for a Lockdown Award set up by a national newspaper.

The Daily Telegraph launched the awards last month, to celebrate individuals and groups all over Britain who have gone the extra mile to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 1,500 entries were received, across 11 categories.

According to the newspaper, one of the hardest sections to judge was the 'Community Hero' category, which brings together several people who have gone above and beyond to assist those in need in their local area.

A four strong shortlist has been drawn up and readers can vote at the bottom of the Telegraph's article.

Among them is Martin, who is said to be "gobsmacked" by the nomination.

Martin helped set up the Steve Prescott Foundation in 2007 after reaching out to support Steve, the former Saints player, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of abdominal cancer.

In the years that followed, Steve took on a series of immense physical challenges while battling the disease, before passing away in 2013.

Organiser-in-chief for all the challenges was the foundation's general manager Martin.

St Helens Star:

Martin pictured with Paul Sculthorpe and Steve Prescott in 2012

Following Steve's death, Martin, Steve's widow Linzi, volunteers and trustees have continued the charity's work.

When the coronavirus took hold in the UK and people began to panic buy, Martin was struck by a video of a nurse crying on the news because she couldn’t find provisions after long hospital shifts.

As previously reported by the Star, Martin contacted Eccleston Arms owner Andy Mikhail and they turned the venue into an essential stores for NHS staff and the elderly.

Amateur rugby league club players from Blackbrook took on roles as delivery drivers and the likes of Johnny Vegas and Paul Sculthorpe have also been sending out the supplies to people isolating at home.

“We’ve probably delivered over 10,000 orders so far,” Martin told the Telegraph in a piece about his nomination.

Martin, who was working 20-hour days at the beginning as the essential stores were launched, added: “It’s been a real team effort, and I’m absolutely overwhelmed, gobsmacked to have been nominated.”

To vote click here for the Daily Telegraph's page.

The winner will be announced on May 29.