A KIND-hearted GP who discovered he had cancer while undergoing tests to become a kidney donor is jetting off to the US to raise vital funds for a North Lancashire hospice.

Doctors discovered a large tumour measuring 11x8cm on David Cheung's left kidney and the GP at Ash Trees Surgery in Carnforth and Arnside then had a successful operation to remove the organ and growth.

Now, 12 months on from treatment for kidney cancer, the 45-year-old will be marking the milestone by running the Chicago Marathon for St John’s Hospice, Lancaster, on October 7.

Last summer, after being inspired by a couple from his church who had each donated a kidney to their son, Dr Cheung took his own necessary steps to becoming a kidney donor.

It was only then, in August 2017 despite having no symptoms whatsoever, that doctors found the growth and made their shock diagnosis. Then in October 2017, David had a successful operation to remove the tumour along with his left kidney.

“It all happened so quickly and really brought it home to me that cancer can affect anyone,” said Dr Cheung. “My family and friends found it more difficult to accept but you just have to rationalise that these things happen and I’m no different to any other patient. I received excellent care from the NHS and was also incredibly well supported by work colleagues and the church.”

A keen runner who regularly volunteers at Lancaster’s parkrun, Dr Cheung even managed to complete his fourth marathon – in Yorkshire – just a week before his operation. The Chicago marathon is part of his bid to chalk off the World Series - six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world - with the others being in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, and New York City.

“I know how important it is to exercise and keep healthy post diagnosis so community events like parkruns are a great way to look after ourselves,” he says. “I’ve also come to realise that it’s important to talk about it. I am living proof that people can survive cancer but a big part of that survival journey is being able to talk about it.

“Another reason for telling my story now is to highlight how important it is to be a donor. We’re in a nation where there are so many people on the transplant list that we need to do more to change attitudes and raise awareness of how the gift of donation can transform someone’s life. And the irony that it was getting involved with the transplant team that saved my own life isn’t lost on me.”

Visit: https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/davidcheung