Former Wakefield, Hull FC and St Helens full-back Steve Prescott has passed away at the age of 39 following a seven-year fight against a rare type of stomach cancer.
Doctors originally said that Prescott, who retired from playing in 2004, had only months to live when he was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei in 2006.
However, Prescott fought his illness and went on to complete the London Marathon last year.
In 2007, he set up the Steve Prescott Foundation, which has given almost £500,000 to good causes. He subsequently received an MBE in the 2010 New Year Honours for services to rugby league and charity.
Tributes have been pouring in on Twitter following the tragic news of Prescott's death.
"Sad news to hear about Steve Prescott. To live the courageous way he did suffering the illness he had was inspirational. Kind, brave man," wrote former Great Britain international Jamie Peacock.
Keith Senior added: "Sad news to hear the loss of #StevePrescott an inspiration. I had the pleasure to play against and in the same team. His memory will live on."
Fans at Hull's KC Stadium produced a minute of applause in Prescott's honour on Saturday afternoon prior to England's World Cup clash against Fiji.
Robert Summerscales
