John Shaw on his bike.

A MAN who beat bowel cancer has raised £85,000 for Help for Heroes by cycling across the country.

John Shaw on his bike.

John Shaw, aged 60, from Nye Close, Cheddar, has cycled more than 2,000 miles visiting cities as far as London and Glasgow to raise cash for the soldiers’ charity.

Mr Shaw, whose two daughters, Rebecca, aged 31 and Louise, aged 33, both married soldiers, dropped in to pubs, police stations and community centres across the country.

He asked them to hold a raffle for Help for Heroes.

Every raffle sees entrants pay £1 each, with 50 per cent of the money going to the charity.

Mr Shaw has battled multiple illnesses, a fight which helped inspire him to start his fundraising.

He fought a serious case of bowel cancer, a muscle-eating bacteria, a stroke and pneumonia.

Against the odds, he was given the all-clear after extensive surgery. Mr Shaw said: “I chose Help for Heroes because they volunteer to fight for our country, whereas I didn’t volunteer for any of my illnesses.

“I am lucky to be alive. I’ve had a bit of time in hospital and any one of my illnesses could have killed me.

“I hope this bike ride will inspire others who might have been ill to never give in, just like our brave soldiers fighting for our country.”

Mr Shaw has also helped organise an event to raise money for the charity this summer.

The Frock up for Heroes event at the Webbington Hotel will see a raffle winner scoop a £500 prize.

A three-course dinner and singing from the RAF association choir will also be part of the event, with all proceeds donated to charity.

Tickets, priced £28, are available from Mr Shaw on 01934 741905.

To find out more or to make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/johnshaw007