PROMOTING cancer awareness can be tough at the best of times but there are one or two perks of the job.

Former cancer sufferer, Chris Selman from Hereford met up with Nell McAndrew at a reception hosted by the Lymphona Association to promote a new website offering help and support to young people affected by lymphoma.

Chris, who was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma six years ago when he was just 16, told the Hereford Times he is determined to dedicate his career to helping others in the same situation.

Dark days

Prior to his illness, Chris was a super fit, highly-ambitious teen who wanted to join the RAF. At one point he was given a week to live had the disease gone untreated.

Former Kingstone High school student, Chris has drawn a positive from his dark days and is studying to be a pharmacist at Bath University so he can work with cancer patients.

Speaking at the launch of the website Chris said: "Thank you for involving me - it has really helped me deal with my cancer and I know that it will be a huge benefit to other people in similar situations.

"When you are hit at a young age it can be devastatingly isolating. You need to know where you can go for support and the encouragement to stay positive."

For further information log on to www.lifesite.info or call the Lymphoma Association on 08088 085 555.