A DOCTOR has completed a half marathon to raise money for a cancer charity.

Dr Neil Smith finished last weekend’s Great North Run in one hour and 45 minutes, finishing 3023rd out of over 57,000 people.

He was raising money for Cancer Research UK awareness of the importance of patients attending investigations and appointments for suspected cancer.

Dr Smith, who is a partner at Oakenhurst Medical Practice in Blackburn and cancer lead for Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire CCGs, said: “When GPs arrange urgent referrals for suspected cancer, about 93 per cent of patients are seen by a specialist within two weeks.

“Some patients, for whatever reason, usually personal to them, choose not to go.

“ I would like to support everyone in this situation and advise them attend for your tests or see a consultant. In most cases, more than nine out of 10 times, it is good news that you do not have cancer.

“However if cancer is suspected it is best to be certain and act quickly.”

He added: “The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and the more likely it can be cured. Going to important appointments can save lives. I want to help GPs and patients and beat cancer sooner.”