COMEDIAN George Roper is bouncing back after a battle with cancer.

Life has been far from a joke for the Sandbach based funnyman since being diagnosed with the life-threatening condition in May.

Since then he's had an operation at Leighton Hospital and follow-up treatment at Christie Hospital.

It has all gone well and he's been given the "all clear" by his doctors.

Now he wants to say a special thank you to the staff who helped him.

He's planning to get his 'crazy gang' - TV Comedians including Bernard Manning, Roy Walker and Frank Carson, together for a fundraising show that will boost the hospitals.

"I've been so lucky. There are no words adequate enough to express my appreciation for the round-the-clock care and attention I received in Leighton or the treatment and support from Christies. So I want to give something back and I'm pretty sure the lads will help me out," said George.

He has taken part in charity shows at Crewe's Lyceum including several in aid of Christies.

"But the local theatre might be too small for the kind of show I'm planning," he added.

Despite his own problems George, pictured above, managed to keep the gags flowing for his fellow patients.

He's now making 'em laugh in the Spanish resort of Benidorm where he's got a four week spot at the Talk of the Town night club.

"I won't take any long term bookings because I want to spend time with my family," said George.

"When something like this happens you realise just how precious life and your nearest and dearest are. I'm doing fine now. I lost six stone but I've started to regain weight," he added.

One part of George that was has not been affected by the disease is his sense of humour.

"Being able to laugh at myself and make others chuckle has helped me through. Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it makes a difference," he said.

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