A LEUKAEMIA patient who raised more than £10,000 to fight cancer has received a special achievement award.

Paul Carless, from Mortimer, was told he had chronic myeloid leukaemia in December 2013, but since his diagnoses he has become an ambassador for Bloodwise.

A series of fundraising challenges has seen the 49-year-old cycle from London to Paris and the Blenheim Palace Triathlon.

He said: "I am very humbled to receive this award, and I see this as something to encourage me to keep going, to keep fundraising until we have beaten blood cancer.

"Bloodwise has given me many opportunities to get involved in, and the work they do directly affects me and other patients and their families.

"This award will act as a reminder of my gratitude to them for leading the way on research into blood cancer."

Despite taking daily medication to manage his leukaemia, Paul’s grit and determination has seen him raise an astonishing sum to help Bloodwise and its research.

He was presented with the award by Ann Bromley at the Bloodwise sports awards in London.

Matt Lawley, head of sports at Bloodwise, added: “We cannot do what we do and fund the life-saving research without the continued support from those like Paul.

"His commitment, enthusiasm and positivity is unwavering and it was our absolute pleasure to go some way in recognising this with the special achievement award.”