STRONGMAN Mike Pyke had some sound advice for the new national weightlifting champ who'd just taken one of his titles.

The Leigh-born multi champ and role model for wheelchair athletes simply told his conquering pal Barney Chalk -- "Look after it for me -- because it'll be mine again next year!"

After months of inactivity and the shock revelation that he had cancer, Mike went to Sunday's national championships at Cardiff knowing he was way below peak form. But he was determined to give it his best shot before getting focused again on serious training as he battles to beat cancer.

After Sunday's event, he told the Journal : "This was the most important competition of my year and I would never have been able to sit on the sidelines, so it's great to come home with bronze.

"I'm disappointed to have lost my title, but I know I wasn't at full fitness. I told the winner to look after it for me - because it'll be mine again next year!"

"I wanted to prove I'm still around, which I think I did. I'm glad first went to Barney Chalk - he is a good mate.

"I'm not about to sit around looking for sympathy, my priority is to beat cancer and get on with life."

Mike is now looking forward to the English championships in September.