Bridge maintenance works sees Steve Prescott's legacy set in stone

Article date: 12 February 2025

As part of recent maintenance works carried out on St Helens Borough Council's iconic Steve Prescott Bridge - named after the former fullback who sadly passed away in 2013 after a seven-year courageous battle against a rare abdominal cancer, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei - a new, long-lasting stone memorial made from black granite has been installed, replacing the original vinyl tribute that has been in place since 2014 and had become weathered and worn over the years.

The fitting gesture forms part of a social value commitment by council contractor, George Cox & Sons Ltd, who have been carrying out maintenance works on the bridge on behalf of the local authority which involved cleaning and repainting the aches and parapets, as well as re-waterproofing and sealing the bridge deck - with the new memorial provided and fitted by St Helens based company, Intaglio Creative, at no extra cost.

Commenting at an unveiling event this week attended by representatives from St Helens Borough Council, the Steve Prescott Foundation and Saints - St Helens Borough Council Leader Councillor Anthony Burns, said: "The Steve Prescott Bridge is an important landmark in our borough which is used by tens of thousands of people every year, including rugby league fans like myself on our way to cheer on the mighty Saints, so it's important that it stays in tip-top condition.

"One of the most emotional and inspiring experiences on that journey to the ground is seeing Steve's memorial which includes the motivational motto: 'What the Mind Believes, the Body Achieves' which will be felt by thousands of runners taking part in the St Helens 10k in just a few weeks' time who will pass it on the home straight and be reminded of such a remarkable man whose legacy is now forged in stone."

Councillor Seve Gomez-Gomez, Deputy Leader of St Helens Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, added: "Social value plays a big role in everything we do as a council to ensure residents and communities benefit from council investments such as the maintenance of vital infrastructure like the Steve Prescott Bridge, and this example is up there with one of the most moving and fitting we've achieved since making it council policy in 2022.

"We've invested in the maintenance of a council asset which means a great deal to so many people - particularly when lit to mark an important awareness campaign or anniversary - and in return we've received so much more with this upgraded stone memorial to remember such a great man who will never be forgotten."

Linzi Prescott, Steve's widow and Trustee of the Steve Prescott Foundation, said: "On behalf of the Prescott family and the Steve Prescott Foundation, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to St Helens Borough Council, Intaglio Creative and George Cox & Sons Ltd for their exceptional work in creating a permanent mural for the Steve Prescott Bridge.

"The Steve Prescott Bridge stands as a beacon of hope and positivity for individuals not only within our borough but across the UK. This remarkable tribute serves as a source of inspiration for the 2,000 athletes participating in the GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k Run on Sunday 2 March. As they take on this challenge, they draw strength from Stephen's enduring legacy, which he established through this event in 2011.

"Thank you once again for your dedication and support in honouring Stephen's memory and uplifting our community."

James Roby - Leadership, Culture & Performance Coach at St. Helens R.F.C. - said:

"The Steve Prescott Bridge is a wonderful reminder, every single time you see it, of one of the bravest and most inspiring figures our town has ever known.

"Steve's legacy lives on with the Steve Prescott Foundation's hard work, the 10k run in a few weeks' time, and all the treasured memories made.

"I know countless supporters cross the bridge to come to the stadium on match days, and this memorial with Steve's motivational words forever etched in stone I am sure will inspire many generations to come."