A MICHELDEVER couple have won a national award for their charity work in aid of bowel cancer patients.

Five years ago Simon Hawkins was diagnosed and told he had 18 months to live, before undergoing extensive chemotherapy and world-leading surgery.

He had his right kidney, gall bladder, duodenum and half of his pancreas removed, in a move which saved his life.

Whilst undergoing treatment he lost his appetite, so wife Penny Ericson developed a cook-book aimed at people like him, inspiring the launch of the Chemo Cookery Club.

The pair were presented with the Achievement Award from the charity Beating Bowel Cancer during its annual Patient Day at London's Royal College of Surgeons.

Mr Hawkins said they were honoured to get the award: “We're so proud to support Beating Bowel Cancer and other bowel cancer patients.

“Helping to raise awareness of the disease means a lot to us and we've experienced first-hand that early detection and treatment saves people's lives.

“We've been through a few tough years but I'm still here, fighting and loving life.

“We'll keep doing our bit to support Beating Bowel Cancer's work and hopefully continue to help improve the situation for others who are going through difficult times.”

Some of the proceeds from the cookery club and Mr Hawkins' first novel, Proteus, have been donated to the charity.

The couple were nominated by the charity's campaign director Stuart Barber, who said: “Simon and Penny are inspirational. Their willingness to do anything to help other bowel cancer patients after all they have gone through themselves is humbling. Their support really is an asset to the charity and they truly deserve this award.”