A DOCTOR won his age group category in an NHS triathlon championship to raise awareness of the importance of exercise in beating cancer.

Dr Neil Smith, who has been a GP in Oakenhurst medical practice in Blackburn for 22 years, was victorious in the senior veterans title at the event in Horwich.

He completed the 400m swim. 10 mile bike ride and three mile run in a time of 57 minutes and five seconds to take the senior veterans title.

Now in its sixth year, the NHS triathlon championship is designed to encourage more people to take up and enjoy exercise and promote the role it plays in reducing the risk of cancer.

Dr Smith has set himself a personal challenge during his 50th birthday year to undertake a series of swimming, cycling and running events to raise money for Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support, with the aim of raising £2,000.

He said: “One of the more startling facts is that four out of 10 cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes.

“Every little helps, so for example, just exercising by simply walking 30 minutes three times a week, is good for health and may reduce the risk of cancer.”

Dr Smith, who is also the cancer lead for Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups is actively promoting awareness about fast track referrals for suspected cancer.

Known as the two week rule, GPs can fast track patients who they fear may have suspected cancer.

However, around six per cent of patients do not attend the first appointment offered them.

Due to this, Dr Smith and his team encourage patients to attend all appointments and if they have any concerns about what will happen at their appointment, to speak to their GP or nurse rather than not attend.

Dr Smith, who also works as a stadium doctor for Blackburn Rovers FC, said: “I am aiming to inspire people to exercise more and improve the lives of everyone touched by cancer.”