A FATHER whose 23-year-old son has been fighting bowel cancer ago is going to be cycling to Paris to help other young people in need.

Stephen Parr was a fit and healthy 21-year-old when in February last year he received the shock news he had cancer.

Though he was suffered no pain, Stephen became concerned when he noticed blood in his stool, and immediately went to his doctor.

After various tests, Stephen was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He had to undergo nearly a year of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, and two operations.

But now the former chef at Pop Bellies in Huntingdon is back playing football and has his sights on a new career either front-of-house in the hospitality trade or as an electrician.

For his father, also called Steven, 53, his son’s bravery and sheer determination has been a source of inspiration.

“He has coped with it fantastically. For someone so young to get something like that is awful, but he didn’t complain.

“He was having such a lot of chemotherapy after the first operation, for two or three days at a time he was physically drained, but he didn’t complain.

“He just kept going. He was determined - ‘I’m going to fight it.’”

Following Stephen’s diagnosis in February, he underwent a five month course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

He had an operation in June and then a further four months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, before undergoing his final operation in March.

To raise money for other young people like his son, Steve, senior, will be cycling from Blackheath in London to Paris on September 25 in aid of children’s charity CLIC Sargent.

The composite laminator will be doing the 300-mile trek with 150 other cyclists over four days.

Though not a keen cyclist before, Steve, who lives in Florida Avenue, Huntingdon, is determined to make it to the finish line under the Eiffel Tower.

Steve has so far raised �1600 but wants to reach �2000. CLIC Sargent provides clinical, practical and emotional support for children and young people with cancer, and their families.

Steve said: “There were a couple of trusts that helped Stephen, and I wanted to give something back.”

To sponsor Steven e-mail him at steveparr007@hotmail.com or call 01480 436861 or 07780845050.