STEVE Prescott has vowed he will not back down in his fight with cancer after spending a third week in hospital because of a change in his condition.

The 39-year-old father-of-two, who has been battling the rare abdominal cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei since 2006, has earned widespread admiration for his charity work and incredible endurance challenges over the past seven years.

Repeated small bowel obstructions since last autumn have interrupted the ex-Saints player’s normal schedule and in a statement released today his charitable foundation revealed a recent setback has meant a prolonged spell in hospital.

It has meant a three-week periodin Whiston Hospital and he is now awaiting transfer to Hope Hospital in Salford, which has a specialist intestinal unit.

Prescott says the immense support of family, friends, sponsors and followers has got him through the last few weeks.

In a statement the SPF said: “Since the Engage Mutual Race to the Grand Final in October Steve Prescott MBE has been plagued by regular small bowel obstructions and disease complications.

“On Saturday, April 21, Steve was admitted to Whiston Hospital, a place where he has been admitted, for short spells, on a regular basis over the past few years.

“It became evident that this time was different and the obstruction didn't rectify itself.

“The Christie have been working closely with the consultants at Whiston, so he is getting the best treatment options.

“He is currently waiting to be transferred to Hope Hospital in Salford, who are a specialised intestinal unit.”

Prescott’s many supporters have marvelled at his courage in the face of adversity since he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the autumn of 2006.

Back then he was initially given only months to live but a major operation to remove tumours from his abdomen at Basingstoke Hospital, cancer treatment and his own iron will mean he is still here today.

And despite the latest setback he is remaining resolute. Within the statement he added: “Unfortunately, there has been a change in my condition.

“Thankfully, the tumour has not increased but the mucin has changed consistency causing problems within my abdomen and restricting my bowel from functioning properly.

“This will mean a severe change in my lifestyle that I will have to learn to cope with.

“I am led to believe they are making great strides into the research of the disease and hopefully, sooner rather than later, a cure will be found.

“My family, friends, sponsors and followers have been immense, their support has got me through the past few weeks.

“I am even more determined to continue the work of the Steve Prescott Foundation. This year we have set a target of donating £80,000 to the two Charities, this will mean that we have raised £500,000.

“I would like to ask all followers to continue to support the people who are taking on extraordinary challenges or events associated with the SPF.

“I won’t back down.”

The Steve Prescott Foundation's next event is the Irn-Bru Taylor Park Challenge on June 2.