A SALE man who battled cancer before going on to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds has been awarded the British Empire Medal.

The award to Mike Wildgoose, 46, of Campbell Road, was made in The Queen's Birthday Honours, and was given for services to the community at both Altrincham Kersal Rugby Club (£173,000) and The Christie (£135,000).

Mr Wildgoose is a former pupil of Sale Grammar School. After leaving school he became an engineering apprentice before undertaking a degree at Sheffield University. He currently works as project manager for Norbert Dentressangle Logistics.

In his spare time, as well as fundraising for AKRC, he is playing his 28th season on the wing for the team.

However, as he admits it was his survival from which turned him into a fundraiser for the two organisations.

He said: "At the time I had gone through both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and after I went into remission, I felt it was important to give something back and that is how it all started."

Since then Mike and a team of friends and colleagues have taken on a number of challenges and everything from walking, running and cycling and even completing the John O'Groats to Land's End run in just nine days.

Other challenges have included 3 Yorkshire Peaks Challenge, the Sandstone Trail twice, cycled the Trans-Pennine Trail and completing the Great North Run.

Much of the money raised for The Christie went towards the new £35 million patient treatment centre.

The fundraising for AKRC includes organising the annual balls firework displays and sportsman's dinners.

His leisure activities include cycling and keep fit.

He adds: "When I got the letter from the Prime Minister about six weeks before the official announcement, it was a total surprise when it said that I was being put forward for recognition of my efforts to the Queen.

"I didn't want recognition for this but at the same time when you don't expect something and it happens it makes it all the more special."

As part of the award process, Mr Wildgoose has also been invited to attend the Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next year.