A Morecambe dad-of-three who beat cancer says he's "on top of the world" to have been chosen as a Queen's Batonbearer for the Commonwealth Games.
Chris Dickson will carry the Queen's Baton as part of a worldwide relay ahead of the Games which take place in Birmingham this summer.
His part of the relay will be on July 16 on Fishergate in Preston at around 3pm.
"I'm absolutely on top of the world, I can't believe I got nominated, it's such an honour," said Chris.
LISTEN NOW to Chris talking about being chosen as a Queen's Batonbearer for the Commonwealth Games:
Around 2,000 inspirational people have been chosen from across England to carry the Queen's Baton ahead of the Games, after 8,000 nominations were submitted across the country.
Chris, 45, was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the age of 37 but is now cancer-free after a seven-year battle against the disease, which included 92 doses of chemotherapy and an operation to install a new bladder.
He was nominated by CancerCare North Lancashire and South Cumbria, who helped him during his fight with cancer, for his bravery and his desire to give back to the local charity to thank them for their support.
"Physically and mentally, they helped me get through the long battle I had, they were just superb," he said.
A former chef, Chris has now set up his own gardening business The Lawn Ranger and has pledged to donate 2.5 per cent of his profits this year to CancerCare. He also carries out other fundraising activities for the charity.
The Queen's Baton Relay spans 269 days and 90,000 miles as the baton is carried all over the Commonwealth ahead of the Games, which start on July 28.
The baton will first arrive in London on June 2 for a four-day celebration before resuming the international journey, then will return to England on July 4 for a 25-day tour before concluding at the Opening Ceremony in Birmingham on July 28.
A spokesperson for CancerCare North Lancashire and South Cumbria said: "Massive congratulations to our friend and great supporter Chris Dickson who has been given the honour of being a Queen's Batonbearer as part of the build-up to this summer's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham!
"As well being a great fundraiser, he is also a wonderful advocate for CancerCare, helping us spread the word about what we do around Lancaster, Morecambe and beyond!
"Well done for this once in a lifetime honour, Chris. You more than deserve it...and also look the business in your T-shirt!"
Chris also thanked everyone who nominated him recently in the Unsung Hero category of The Visitor newspaper's Sunshine Awards.
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