A CANCER sufferer's refusal to let his condition prevent him helping others has been recognised with a national award.

Striving student James Dickinson, aged 19, is currently trialling two anti-cancer drugs to combat malignant skin tumours, which leaves him listless and nauseous.

But he still finds time to embark on an all-action fundraising campaign which has seen him - come rain or shine - collect hundreds of pounds for the Cancer Research Campaign.

The cancer charity has named James its Student Supporter of the Year after he took part in a Blackpool to Manchester bike ride, a sponsored swim at Warrington Baths, a muscle-aching relay race and numerous charity sales.

Leading cancer researcher Dr Paul Quartey presented him with an award at a glittering ceremony in London.

James, of Winwick Lane, Lowton, told the GUARDIAN: "It is just a case of adjusting, being able to pace yourself, knowing what you can and cannot do.

"It becomes part of your routine and you know your limits. The medication messes up your system and can leave you with no energy at all.

Accepting the ravages of his illness, he added: "I just carry on as normal. I just work it into my lifestyle. If you mope around and get depressed, you will make yourself ill."

A career in the RAF beckoned for James but when his illness, a rare form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma, was diagnosed at the age of 18, he was forced to change tack and is now taking a Business and Information Systems degree at Salford University.

He is set for a career with a major motor company which has sponsored his course.

Every day, James takes temozolomide tablets and must inject himself with another drug, Interferon, three times a week.

The course, conducted under the auspices of Christies Hospital in Manchester, continues until January and he is keen to see the trial through to its conclusion.

"Drugs are very expensive to develop and they need volunteers to go on things like this. It helps other people and helps myself," added James.

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