TAYLOR Prescott is battling through his most remarkable endurance challenge to date - and aims to drag his aching body to the finish line today (Saturday).
On Friday he completed his sixth of seven ultra marathons in as many days, as he vows to keep driving forward the Steve Prescott Foundation – the charity set up by his dad Steve, who fought an incredible battle with cancer before his death in 2013.
Taylor, from Eccleston, is taking part in the charity’s Wembley Lockdown Challenge, aiming to complete on Saturday a virtual 216 mile journey to Wembley for what would have been Challenge Cup Final day.
That’s almost 31 miles per day for seven consecutive days, for a runner who usually goes no further than 10k.
Paul Sculthorpe and Tommy Martyn have joined in the challenge
Friends of his and the Foundation - including the likes of Paul Sculthorpe, Tommy Martyn and uncle Neil Prescott - have been running sections with him in support, while donations have been flooding in including one of £5,000 from an anonymous source.
Supporters of the charity are expected to join Taylor's family today to help cheer him over the finish line.
The final leg of the challenge takes places between 11am and 4pm on Saturday.
He has been battling sore knees and ankles while confronting what has become a test of both mental and physical stamina.
Taking a dip in a wheelie bin ice bath
The Pilkingtons FC centre forward started on Sunday at Ruskin Sports Village, clocking his first day’s 50k run in an incredible 4hrs 52mins.
“I enjoy running more than cycling and walking to be honest,” said the 18-year old as he announced his challenge.
“Normally I run once or twice a week and a maximum 10k. Last week I did a 22 mile run and I felt alright so I was testing the waters.”
Since losing his dad in 2013, Taylor, a student at Carmel College, has thrown himself into a series of challenges alongside mother Linzi, brother Koby and their army of SPF ambassadors and supporters.
Today will see @t_prescott1 smash 7 Ultra Marathons in 7 Days equivalent to running 216 miles from @Saints1890 to @wembleystadium amazing incredible Herculean effort! This must be worthy of Tay reaching his 10k fundraising target for @TheChristie @RLCares https://t.co/9URQUS95HS pic.twitter.com/2Q3oRMjxCd
— Steve Prescott MBE (@StevePrescott1) July 18, 2020
Last summer on the 10th anniversary of Steve’s epic 900-mile cycle, 27-mile row, and 13-mile run from Perpignan to Wembley, Taylor led from the front to complete the same gruelling 13-day challenge with a team of fundraisers.
It was an event that has given him the taste to take on more feats of endurance, including this his first solo challenge.
“It’s difficult backing up each day, trying to get the rest in. Most of the other challenges have been with a team so I’ve had team spirit and motivation. This one is a lot tougher mentally and physically,” he said.
Steve Prescott was diagnosed with the rare abdominal cancer pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) in 2006 and given just months to live.
Running with mum Linzi
He set up the SPF and embarked on a series of gruelling endurance challenges, raising almost half a million pounds before his death seven years later.
The Foundation has gone from strength to strength since the loss of its founder and inspiration.
“I know my dad is inspiring people now,” said Taylor.
“With the coronavirus this year it has been difficult for the SPF so I want to raise funds and help the RFL Benevolent Fund too for Mose Masoe and The Christie.
“I’m hoping me dad is watching me and that he’s proud.”
The SPF Wembley Lockdown Challenge has been open to everyone, finishing on Saturday. All entrants chose to virtually run, walk or cycle the distance from their hometown club to Wembley.
Taylor's dad Steve Prescott was a hero to many
More than £14,000 has already been raised by the 40 entrants, whose fundraising efforts for the SPF will be rewarded with a special Precky t-shirt and challenge certificate.
Taylor’s aiming to attract £10,000 in donations for his own monumental efforts.
To give your donation visit justgiving.com/fundraising/taylorsultrarun
Taylor’s challenge is backed by St Helens 10k winner Matt Crehan and his St Helens shop “Made to Run”.
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