A CRUSADING health campaigner recently diagnosed with cancer is celebrating after being given the all-clear.

Retired paramedic Steve Evans only found out he had mouth cancer as he prepared to tackle the 50k Nightrider cycle challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 62-year-old completed the Liverpool midnight bike marathon and raised £560 in memory of his dad Colin who died from bowel cancer when he was 62.

Runcorn dad Steve sought advice from his dentist after a tongue ulcer failed to heal and was immediately referred to hospital.

He believes that 44 years as a paramedic plus experience of his dad’s battle spurred him to catch his cancer early.

Steve, of Hawthorn Avenue, said: “I’m over the moon, I can’t believe it.

“I had surgery three weeks ago and a biopsy has shown that I am now clear of cancer. I feel incredibly well.”

Steve, whose son Ian is 21, wants to thank his wife Pam, family, friends and all the medical staff for their support.

He underwent day surgery in Aintree Hospital.

“They took away a big piece of my tongue,” said Steve. “I was really worried about losing my voice as I’ve still got lives to save.

“They did have problems with my neck because they couldn’t find my lymph nodes. The wound on my neck looked horrendous but now you can hardly see it and my tongue has almost completely healed.”

Steve was awarded the MBE for his pioneering work after saving thousands of lives through his campaigns, training and medical books.

After finding a 12-year-old drunken boy abandoned by his mates in Widnes, he launched a Don’t Walk Away campaign.

His education resources have been used by 50 million teachers all over the world.

Steve also set up the Community First Responders across Cheshire and Merseyside, volunteers who give up their time to attend emergency calls.

“I’d put my life on hold,” said Steve. “If this cancer hadn’t been caught super early we wouldn’t be in this position.

“I can back on my bike again and go on holiday. Everything is a lot brighter.”