A doctor who has managed to raise more than £60,000 towards Cancer Research after having the condition diagnosed has received a British Citizen Award.

Mark Sims, formerly of Wimbledon, was diagnosed with cancer on his scalp when he was 15, then re-diagnosed with incurable stage four malignant melanoma in 2015.

Since then, he has been working to fight for a cure through Cancer Research UK and his blog, wrestlingmelanoma.com.

Originally hoping to raise £1,000, he had collected £64,030 in donations when this newspaper went to print.

The money will be donated to help fund three PHD researchers, one of which, Magnus Dillon, has already started his research to create a drug that will improve radio therapy treatment in a wide range of cancers.

Dr Sims continues to share his story both nationally and internationally to raise awareness about the dangers of using sun beds and forgetting to use sun cream.

On visits to schools he talks to the students about what melanoma is and about his fundraising efforts, such as local tournaments and an upcoming charity auction.

The 28-year-old said: “It’s an honour to be receiving the British Citizen Award.

“I’m extremely proud of the work I have done so far in raising funds and awareness in the battle against this disease and I hope that I have inspired some people to continue the fight.”

The award, founded in January last year, recognises extraordinary achievements by ordinary people who have worked to positively change the world around them.

Dr Sims managed to beat the cancer after his first diagnosis aged 15, but was told in February last year that it had returned and he may only have months to live.

The former St Helier Hospital worker, who lived in Raynes Park, has recently become become engaged to his fiancée Georgie Latcham.

Dr Sims received his award on July 7 at the Palace of Westminster from Specsavers co-founder and British Citizen Award patron Dame Mary Perkins.