A CANCER sufferer has teamed up with a cafe in a bid to raise £5,000 towards vital research.

Steve Clark, 54, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in May 2013.

Mr Clark joined forces with Alto Lounge in Church Street, Caversham, to organise a series of fundraising events throughout April and May.

The final event, an open-mic music night which will showcase the talents of staff and special guests, will be held tonight (Thursday, May 31).

Mr Clark, a passionate fundraiser who launched the Strive for Five campaign to mark his five year survival since diagnoses, said: "I’m so grateful to Alto Lounge for getting behind the Strive for Five campaign and helping raise so much for Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer.

"Strive for Five is all about increasing awareness of bowel cancer and sharing stories of hope for people like me, with more advanced disease.”

Mr Clark and Alto Lounge are also holding an ongoing raffle, offering the grand prize of a unique Boomshakalaka mannequin lamp by Wokingham artist Alexandra Legouix of Konasana Design.

There are limited £10 tickets left at the cafe and all funds raised will be pledged towards Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer.

Vicky Martin, community fundraiser, said: "We are delighted to have the support of Steve Clark and Alto Lounge to raise awareness of bowel cancer. It’s because of fantastic fundraisers like Steve that we can continue with our vital work of saving lives, enabling research and improving the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer.”

Other events organised by Mr Clark and Alto Lounge included a quiz evening, games night and bake sales.

Author and former Caversham teacher Vera Morris also drew in a big crowd during the launch of her latest book, The Temptation.

For details visit: striveforfive.org or email steve@striveforfive.org