A DETERMINED painter and decorator who refused to take no for an answer over health concerns is training for the Great Manchester Run after beating prostate cancer.

Derek Hartley, 52, of Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford, was convinced by his family to ask the doctor to run tests after a close friend was diagnosed with the disease.

After three visits to his doctor, Derek discovered that unless a patient is suffering from symptoms it is unusual for them to request a test.

The self employed decorator said: “When my friend was diagnosed it was a real shock.

“I decided to visit the doctor and ask for the tests after my wife and daughters convinced me it was better to be safer than sorry.

“On my third visit to the surgery, the doctor finally agreed to give me the test but I was shocked to be told it was highly unusual as I had no symptoms.

“I nearly gave up after all the trouble I had, but I am so glad I persevered.

“When I found out I had cancer I was absolutely devastated. I was still feeling well and I considered myself to be fit and healthy as I had been a member of a gym for 10 years.”

Derek was one of the lucky few who caught the disease early and after keyhole surgery to remove his prostate in June in 2010, he was able to return to work in September.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with around 37,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year.

Keen runner Derek said: “The NHS have been fantastic and so have my family and friends. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support they have given me. I just hope other men will follow in my footsteps and get tested.”

To raise awareness about the disease Derek is now planning to run 10K in the Great Manchester Run on May 15.

To sponsor Derek visit www.justgiving.com/derek-hartley