Cancer rugby player Steve Prescott receives MBE

Prescott was one of the top full-backs in the British game

Former St Helens rugby league star Steve Prescott, who is battling a rare stomach cancer, has received an MBE from the Prince of Wales.

Despite having been given only months to live when he was first diagnosed in 2006, he has gone on to raise thousands of pounds to help beat the disease.

Two days after receiving the prestigious award, the father-of-two plans to run the London Marathon.

Christie's Cancer Hospital is among many to benefit from his charity work.

Mr Prescott, who received his MBE at Buckingham Palace, was told he was suffering from pseudomyxoma peritonei in November 2006.

With two young children, consultants told him and his wife Linzi that he probably would not live to see them grow up.

Steve thoroughly deserves this accolade in recognition of his outstanding bravery and resolve

Rugby Football League chairman Richard Lewis

However, more than three years later, the former England and Ireland international, helps run his successful charity, Steve Prescott Foundation, and has proved an inspiration to many.

When he found out he was to become an MBE on New Year's Eve last year, he said: "This is something I never imagined would happen - it was a tremendous surprise.

"The award is not just for me, but also for my family, friends and all the special people who have been involved with the foundation."

Rugby Football League chairman Richard Lewis described the 36-year-old as "a truly inspiring individual".

He added: "Steve thoroughly deserves this accolade in recognition of his outstanding bravery and resolve.

"The scale of the challenges that he has undertaken to raise money for the Christie Cancer Hospital and RFL Benevolent Fund charities has been breathtaking."

Despite being able to run 26 miles in just a few days, he is still undergoing intense chemotherapy to combat his condition.