A FATHER-OF-THREE who has battled bowel cancer for five years and raised £45,000 for charity is looking to the future.

Ben Ashworth, 38, well-known as a librarian from many years in Blackburn, admits this year has had it’s 'ups and downs'.

The keen runner, who grew up in Hoghton, underwent surgery at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital after a tumour was diagnosed in 2016.

But he has gradually returned to the gym and is already making plans for future sponsored runs, under the umbrella of his charitable cause, Ben’s Bowel Movements.

His continuing inspiration is wife Louise and daughters Skye, 12, Isobel, seven, and Heidi, four.

Mr Ashworth said: “More than anything I just wanted to make my girls proud and spread a positive message about living with bowel cancer.

“Fitness has always been an important of that and I’ve always been thrilled by the support I’ve had while completing my marathons.”

Interviewed by the Lancashire Telegraph in 2014, Mr Ashworth outlined plans to run six marathons in six months.

This has eventually reached 24, in the intervening period, and he was fit enough to complete the Cheeky Santa Dash, last Christmas, in Preston’s Avenham Park.

Mr Ashworth, who was forced to quit work through ill health, was selected for an award at this year’s Preston Sports Awards.

He shared the prize with renowned city swimming coach Steve Heaps and was treated to a tongue-in-cheek animated version of his journey since first being diagnosed with his condition.

“It’s been a pretty momentous time for me and my family,” he said.

“When I was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2012 some of the statistics gave me a six per cent chance of living this long.

“I’m glad I didn’t know that then but I’m really pleased to have reached such a milestone.”

He has supported CLIC Sargent, Beating Bowel Cancer, Macmillan, Rosemere Cancer Care and Mummy’s Star.