A cancer survivor is taking on the challenge of running 39 miles to raise money for Fortuneswell Cancer Trust after getting the all-clear.

Andrew Potter, from Bridport, wants to give back to the charity after receiving ‘amazing’ treatment when he was diagnosed with cancer last year.

His wife, Anne, works on the Fortuneswell ward at Dorset County Hospital and he wants to raise as much money as possible to enable the trust and ward to continue the great work it does for patients and families.

He will be running from Bridport to Dorset County Hospital on Sunday and is hoping to complete it in around six hours.

Andrew said: “I have chosen this charity because last June I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. This was a complete shock as I was suffering with lower back pain.

“The doctors at Bridport Medical Centre were amazing and got me referred to Dorchester to see a consultant.”

After the cystoscopy he was told it was bladder cancer and four weeks later he was booked in for surgery on July 13.

“They were all so caring and kind and the surgery went well and was told the tumour was removed. I was sent home the same day.

“The Monday after we went for a short walk on the beach and I collapsed in pain. We went back to the hospital and again the treatment was amazing.

“Now a year later and all clear, with Anne working on Fortuneswell and knowing not everyone is as lucky as us with the outcomes, I wanted to give something back to not only the patients, but the families sat waiting for news of their loved ones and the facilities they are waiting in.

“I thought to start to do a run but not a marathon, something bigger, so it is Bridport to Dorchester hospital and back via the back roads - 39 miles in one Sunday morning.

“I have been getting up at 5am and running, I did 18.5 miles on Saturday morning and I have been running two to three times a week since lock down started.”

The Fortuneswell Cancer Trust is a registered charity that seeks to improve the services to cancer patients in Dorset, mainly through Dorset County Hospital. The Fortuneswell ward at Dorset County Hospital treats patients with cancer.

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/2BOdGee