All cancer patients now have a “fighting chance” to get more enjoyment out of life, according to rocker Mike Peters.

The Welsh singer was made an MBE for services to cancer care charities at home and abroad at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Peters, who is a cancer survivor himself, now campaigns on treatment for the disease.

He said: “Everyone has a fighting chance, even if it is to gain one more day, one more kiss with your loved one, one more hug with your children, one more day to spend in your community.

“That is where we are at now with our fight against cancer and one day we will see the cure.”

Peters founded rock band The Alarm in 1981 and had a successful career on stage, opening for the likes of U2 and Bob Dylan.

He first overcame cancer in 1996 before developing leukaemia in 2005. His wife Jules was then diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

Peters said: “I am a cancer patient who is free to live and enjoy life to the full and that is down to the NHS and the breakthroughs that modern science has brought to humanity.”

The singer founded what has become Snowdownia Rocks, an annual event attended by families, musicians and patients affected by cancer.

He also founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which aims to raise money for cancer treatments through music events.

Mr Peters said his newly acquired “royal connection” will help his charitable efforts.

For people around the world “to come and hike with an MBE recipient who plays guitar and sings is a little bit different so it is a fantastic opportunity for us to extend our mission and the care that we provide around the world for people who are less fortunate than we are in the west”, he said.