Martin Blondel helped set up the Steve Prescott Foundation in 2007, named after the rugby league star who diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer in 2006 and given six months to live. Over the next few years, Prescott undertook a series of incredible physical challenges for charity, before passing away in 2013.

Blondel continues the foundations work, raising funds and awareness and supporting various charities. When lockdown hit, Blondel was struck by the now-famous video of a nurse crying on the news because she couldnt find provisions after long hospital shifts.

He contacted a friend who runs two pubs in the St Helens area and they turned them into essential stores for NHS staff and the elderly. Players from a local rugby league club, Blackbrook, have pitched in with deliveries, while local celebrities like Johnny Vegas have raised awareness and they have delivered over 10,000 orders so far, says Blondel, who was working a 20 hour day at the start of lockdown.

Parcels include basic foods like bread, eggs, bacon and milk, while the team of 32 volunteers deliver medication free of charge.

We have a wide reach of people who are willing to help others in adversity, as Steve taught us to do, says Blondel. Its been a real team effort, and Im absolutely overwhelmed, gobsmacked to have been nominated for this award.

steveprescottfoundation.co.uk

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