Steve Prescott Way cleaned within 24 hours of 'disgusting' vandalism

The Star's Saints reporter Mike Critchley saw the vandalism on Sunday, February 11, which looked like green paint had been thrown on the Steve Prescott Way sign in Thatto Heath.

Steve Prescott Way was unveiled as a pathway at Thatto Heath Crusaders rugby club in 2018, in honour of the fullback who played 117 games for Saints.

Steve is also remembered for raising half a million pounds in several gruelling challenges despite a stomach cancer diagnosis in 2006, after which he was given just months to live. 

The Steve Prescott Foundation has continued this fundraising tradition in his honour, following his passing in 2013 aged 39.

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Linzi Prescott at the unveiling of the sign in 2018 (Image: St Helens Council)

With the vandalism image posted on social media on Sunday afternoon, dozens of people responded with understandable shock and anger.

One X user called the vandalism "absolutely disgusting" while another called it "so disrespectful". Another said that those responsible had "obviously never met the man".

The Steve Prescott Foundation said: "So saddened to see this. The folk at Thatto Heath have been great supporters of the family and SPF charity since day one! But when you see what the mindless yobs have done to the [previously burned down] training ground, they will desecrate anything."

The vandalism was removed and sign cleaned within 24 hours (Image: X)
While the vandalism shocked many in the community, it was removed by an unsung hero less than 24 hours after the image was posted on social media.

It was then given a further cleaning by others in the community, which was commended by the good folk of the town.