THE eldest son of Steve Prescott is set to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the same 865-mile bike his dad completed 10 years ago.

In 2009, Steve was given the honour of delivering the match ball to Wembley Stadium for the Challenge Cup Final between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves following the gruelling challenge of taking a group overland from Perpignan in the south of France.

Now a decade later, his 17-year-old son Taylor is ready to lead a repeat mission.

St Helens Star:

Alongside some of the same faces who joined his dad in 2009 – including Steve’s former St Helens team-mates Chris Joynt and Chris Smith – Taylor will tackle the route, followed by a 26-mile journey up the River Thames from Windsor Castle to Teddington Lock in a Dragon Boat.

Then they will run a half marathon from RAF Uxbridge to arrive at Wembley on Saturday, August 24 – just in time for the Coral Challenge Cup Final.

Taylor will then complete the Challenge Wembley 2019 by delivering the Match Ball and placing it down in time for kick off – exactly as his dad did 10 years earlier.

Taylor said: “I am honoured to be in a position to continue my dad’s legacy. My dad was passionate about everything he did and the charity was extremely important to him.

“I have seen my mum and incredible supporters of the charity continue the great work and helping those less fortunate – and I want to do my bit.

“My dad told me the ‘Carnegie Challenge’ of 2009 was the hardest but best challenge he took on.

“I have a lot of work to do on strengthening my legs, improving my cycling and learning how to paddle in a dragon boat – but I am looking forward to that challenge.

“I would like to thank everyone involved with the Coral Challenge Cup for allowing me to take to the Wembley pitch and place the Match Ball.”

Ralph Rimmer, the chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Steve was a special person, and it’s becoming increasingly evident that Taylor is a chip off the old block.

“His father has left an incredible legacy, transforming the adversity of his illness into a life-changing charity, and it’s humbling to see Taylor committing himself in the same way, at such a young age.

“We are honoured at the RFL that the sport of Rugby League is represented so inspirationally by Steve, Taylor and everyone else involved in the Foundation, and in this latest Challenge.

“Having them with us at Wembley Stadium on August 24, for the Coral Challenge Cup Final and the first 1895 Cup Final, will be an honour.

“It goes without saying that we were delighted to grant the request for Taylor to deliver the match ball, as Steve did a decade ago.”

Others who have signed up to support Taylor include Mike Denning, the Chairman of the Steve Prescott Foundation, and also Jimmy Gittins from the RFL Benevolent Fund.

Former Saints captain Joynt, added: “It’s incredible that the original Challenge was ten years ago. It seems like yesterday. Sadly Steve will not be riding with us but will be there in spirit. It is great to see Taylor following in Steve’s footsteps, with the desire to continue the great man’s legacy.”

Steve Prescott was diagnosed with a rare abdominal cancer in 2006 and formed the SPF in 2007 to raise funds for the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and The Christie Hospital. He died in October 2013 due to complications of surgery.

But there are still 12 of the 30 places available – anyone interested in joining the Challenge, or offering sponsorship, should email info@steveprescottfoundation.co.uk, or call 07971792859.

The Itinerary for Challenge is as follows:

Aug 11 – Fly To Perpignan, the home of Catalans Dragons, the Challenge Cup holders

Aug 12 – Perpignan to Carcassonne - 65 Miles

Aug 13 – Carcassonne to Montauban – 95 Miles

Aug 14 – Montauban to Sarlat La Caneda – 82 Miles

Aug 15 – Sarlat La Caneda to Limoges – 82 Miles

Aug 16 – Limoges to Chateauroux – 75 Miles

Aug 17 – Chateauroux to Blois – 66 Miles

Aug 18 – Blois to Rouen – 63 Miles

Aug 19 – Rouen to Chartres – 88 Miles

Aug 20 – Chartres to Abbeville – 63 Miles

Aug 21 – Abbeville to Dover – 70 Miles

Aug 22 – Dover to Windsor Castle – 111 Miles

Aug 23 – Dragon boat Windsor to Teddington Lock

Aug 24 – Half Marathon RAF Uxbridge to Wembley