TWO years after planning his own funeral laden with a terminal cancer diagnosis, a 51-year-old in Warrington is now thriving.

Peter Hinds, from Appleton Thorn, had already cashed in his pension after being diagnosed with inoperable intestinal cancer in January 2018 by Warrington Hospital.

He was told he could have less than six months to live, with no treatments options and surgery being ruled out.

Now, Peter is finally stable after treatment at Manchester’s cancer centre, The Christie.

Peter recalled: "The news was devastating.

"It felt like everyone was out to get my family.

"I arranged to have the plot next to my sister in the crematorium.

"It makes it a little bit easier for your loved ones if the funeral is already arranged."

Peter asked for a referral to The Christie for a second opinion, in what turned out to be a life-saving decision.

He was seen in April 2018 and fitted with a stent so he could eat properly, the first time since Christmas 2017.

Peter then had chemotherapy treatment and by November that year, the tumour had shrunk enough to be considered for surgery to remove it.

Now, Peter feels well and has no other health concerns.

He said: "Everyone I’ve met at The Christie has been so positive.

"They have gone out of their way to support both me and my wife.

"I owe my life to them."

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Peter's stepson, Simon McConville, has been inspired to do a sponsored run to raise money for The Christie charity.

The 26-year-old said: "I’m taking part in my first ever 10k running event to raise money for The Christie because of the treatment my family have received over the past few years.

"My stepdad Peter had been written off, but The Christie gave him and my mum hope.

"The care and compassion they have given to Peter and the whole of our family has been exceptional.

"This is my way to say thank you to The Christie for everything the hospital has done."

All funds raised by The Christie charity from the Wilmslow Running Festival event will go towards plans to develop a new £26m cancer centre in Macclesfield.

Work on the two-storey building is expected to begin in May, with the aim of opening during autumn 2021.

To donate to Simon's efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-mcconville-10k.