A Builth Wells cancer survivor has been chosen as the face of a campaign to raise vital funds for life-saving research.

John Morgan, 56, had a 19lb tumour removed from his stomach three years ago, but has now made a full recovery and his remarkable story has been chosen to launch Cancer Research UK’s World Cancer Day campaign in Wales on Sunday, February 4.

Support assistant John, who had served in the army for 22 years previously, was diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma in 2015 after feeling a lump in his stomach which he assumed to be a hernia.

"My wife, who’s a nurse, felt the lump and told me to get it checked out," he said.

"I was sent for a CT scan and the doctor confirmed I had a sarcoma growing in my abdomen which was surrounding my right kidney.

"I thought it was the end of the road for me but my doctor referred me to the sarcoma specialists in Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham. I had an operation in May to remove the Sarcoma tumour as well as my right kidney, and some of my intestines.

"The surgeon who removed it said it was one of the biggest tumours he had ever seen."

Since the life saving surgery father of four John has spent more time enjoying his life and doing 'all the things that are so dear to me'. John married his wife, Liz, completed the London Marathon and he’s recently started a mountaineering leaders’ course to help Duke of Edinburgh students with their qualifications.

And now he's encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to help raise vital funds for further research.

"I’m still here today, enjoying doing all the things that are so dear to me. That’s why I want everyone in Wales to wear a Cancer Research UK Unity Band on World Cancer Day. Just by wearing a Unity Band, everyone can help make a real difference to people with cancer."

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson, said: "We are very grateful to John for his support and showing how important it is for everyone to wear a Unity Band on World Cancer Day. By making a donation of just £2, people in Wales will be able to help fund crucial research."