A COURAGEOUS man who was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer six years ago has become the face of a national fundraising drive.

Steve Clark, from Caversham, is supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s 'Step up For 30' campaign, which encourages the public to exercise and get sponsored.

Doing 150 minutes of exercise a week is proven to help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

The 55-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2013 and the disease has spread to his liver and lungs.

Mr Clark said: “Being active has always been part of my lifestyle. Before my diagnosis I was at the gym six days a week, ran 10k’s and practised yoga.

"Having cancer doesn’t stop me from doing that, it just gives me more reason to. I’ve had to change some of the workouts due to my treatment, but I’m now a qualified yoga teacher and try and walk my dog for five miles every day.

"It not only helps keep me strong, but it’s also something I just love to do. Step up For 30 is a fantastic way to both lower your risk of developing bowel cancer and fundraise to help create a future where nobody dies of the disease.”

He underwent surgery and chemotherapy and - after six months - Steve’s tumours on his lungs had reduced enough to no longer require treatment. However, he will be on maintenance chemotherapy for life.

Almost a quarter of adults living in the South East do not get enough exercise each week, according to Bowel Cancer UK.

Step up For 30 encourages people to take up regular exercise by getting sponsored to do 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days in June.

Luke Squires, director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, added: “Exercise doesn’t just have to be about working out in a gym. You could walk, swim, dance, run, cycle, do yoga.

“It’s really easy to get involved, there’s lots of creative ways you can get sponsored and get active during the month.

“Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but with your help we can change that."

Visit: bowelcanceruk.org.uk to sign up.