A CLARETS fan who beat prostate cancer has been recognised for his work supporting others with the disease.

John Heyworth, who opted to have surgery when he was diagnosed aged 59, has been inducted into the Prostate Cancer UK ‘hall of fame’.

Barrowford resident Mr Heyworth has been involved in projects to support newly diagnosed men through their shared experiences, and has attended political party conferences to lobby MPs about the quality of cancer care men receive.

He has also taken a lead role in Prostate Cancer UK’s activity at football matches to help fundraise for the charity and raise awareness of the disease.

Now retired, Mr Heyworth was congratulated on his achievement by Burnley boss Sean Dyche and goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Speaking after joining the Men United Hall of Fame, the life-long Burnley fan said: “What a great honour. I am delighted to be recognised for my volunteering work in such a positive way.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 59 but my cancer journey started some 10 years before that.

“I had a real problem with peeing leaving me needing to go at least every hour. I went to my GP many times only to be told I was too young for it to be prostate cancer and there was nothing that could be done for me.

“Eventually, I insisted that I be tested and it uncovered that I had prostate cancer. After a couple of scans it was thought the cancer was contained within the prostate so I decided to have it removed.

“After a couple of weeks I was back to normal and soon able to go to the gym and do distance running, one of my passions.”

Mr Heyworth, who lives with his wife Geraldine, got involved with the charity when he spotted an appeal for volunteers on the Burnley FC website.

He said: “Recently, I expanded my voluntary role by becoming involved in a major initiative to help the 250,000 men currently living with prostate cancer in the UK.”

Prostate Cancer UK’s Mark Bishop said: “On behalf of everyone at Prostate Cancer UK, we would like to congratulate John Heyworth on his induction into the Men United Hall of Fame for his impressive contribution in the fight against prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men.”