The inspirational stories of people running St Helens 10k

Set up by Steve Prescott and his Foundation in 2011, the annual 10k event will always be a special occasion in St Helens, and many have followed in the great man's tradition by running for a good cause, for those less fortunate, or in memory of lost loved ones.

With Matt Crehan winning the 14th event with a new course record and by just one second, it was an entertaining day for all involved, and here are a few special stories we have picked up along the way.

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Sarah and Luke, running with family and friends in memory of Tom Towey (Image: St Helens Star)

After former St Helens Strider Tom Towey passed away in 2019, his family has run the subsequent St Helens 10k events in his memory.

With T-shirts that had Tom's picture on the back, this year's race was even more special as his daughter Sarah and fiance Luke Bithell will be getting married in May, with Sarah running the event in a bridal veil and bright pink tutu.

Scott Hornsby's family, friends, and colleagues ran in his memory (Image: St)

In another touching story, a 15-strong group ran the 10k for the much-loved dad Scott Hornsby, who suddenly passed away last month.

Scott's work colleagues at CFS systems ran alongside his heartbroken friends and family, and raised money to help the family through this awful time. 

Scott's late wife Steph and brother Gary took part in the event, with the latter driving all the way from Newcastle to show his support for the family.

Kathryn ran in memory of James Junior Leyland (Image: Kathryn Broadberry)
Kathryn Broadberry also ran the 10k after a sudden passing, with three-year-old James Junior Leyland passing away in his sleep in early February.

James, who was autistic, non-verbal, epileptic, developmentally delayed, and a sufferer of sleep apnoea, was described as the "life and soul of the family" and "always had a smile on his face".

Kathryn who was James' one-to-one support at Little Harvard's nursery, said he was an "amazing little boy and I was lucky enough to be his 1 to 1 at nursery".

Taylor Prescott and Leeds Rhinos fan Craig, who were both running in memory of Steve Prescott (Image: St Helens Star)
The race's first participant was Steve Prescott's son Taylor who ran in his dad's honour and his Foundation. As Taylor is currently training for this year's London Marathon, it was his latest challenge for the Foundation set up in his dad's name, adding that it was great to be a part of the event. 

Leeds Rhinos fan Craig travels from Yorkshire to St Helens every year for the event, in honour of Taylor's dad and Saints legend Steve.

David Chana ran for a defibrillator to be placed outside of Bold Vets (Image: St Helens Star)
Running for good causes, David Chana from Bold Veterinary clinic ran in an inflated unicorn costume to raise money for a community defibrillator to be positioned outside the practice.

After taking part in the event a handful of times, David wanted to do something out of the ordinary as he ran alongside colleagues Catherine, Hannah, Michelle, Lauren, and Beth.

Allotment holders and St Helens Green Party ran to save the Stan Pennington Allotments (Image: St Helens Star)
As part of an ongoing fundraiser, allotment holders at the Stan Pennington Allotments ran together as they need around £96,000 to secure the long-term future of the site.

The St Helens Green Party supported the allotment holders in the race and fundraising, after more than 3,000 people signed a petition to save the plots from being sold off last year.

Nichola (second from right) with family and friends at last year's event (Image: St Helens Star)
As she did last year, mum-of-one Nichola Troilett crossed the St Helens 10k finish line cancer free after having to pull out of the 2022 event following a breast cancer diagnosis.

With Nichola completing this year's race with her daughter and her daughter's partner, her mum Liz said that she is "inspirational", adding that "no matter what life throws at you you can still carry on".

Emma McNally at a previous St Helens 10k (Image: St Helens Star)
Emma McNally also took part in the event for the Tourette's Action charity this year, raising awareness of the condition after her son was diagnosed with Tourette's, aged 9, and left without any local support once an Alder Hey specialist retired.

Gill Sandford ran her first St Helens 10k on Sunday in memory of her beloved dad Brian, raising money for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as it was his passion in life.

Karen O'Dowd ran her first 10k after completing four couch to 5ks with her MadRunners running group, while Ste Boylan ran with his new running group 'Recovery Runners', set up to help former addicts or those struggling with their mental health.