A Congleton business owner will be taking part in a White Collar Boxing event to raise money for The Rossendale Trust charity.

Mark Winder from Bear Grills, on Market Street, Congleton, spoke about some of the serious health challenges that he has faced.

He told his story to Sharon and Stuart Neild, presenters of the Congleton News and Views Show on Canalside Radio 102.8 FM.

Mark was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, for which he underwent treatment for, but sadly the cancer returned in 2017. He has since had further treatment.

Mr Winder said: "It's not a battle I ever wanted or will ever get out of. But the fights, the individual setbacks. There the ones you can face and overcome."

The 46-year-old was "zapped" with intense radiotherapy and it tore a hole through his back. He has been left with a thumb-sized hole where his lower back had been lasered away from the top of his pelvis.

This has prevented Mark from doing lots of things as he can only stand and bend as the pain is "too much".

However, Mark refuses to allow this to define his life.

Mr Winder says: "I am 46 now and my body isn't really up to much. In fact, over the past four years, I've noticed my body become weaker and weaker, frail even before its time.

"My personal fights, the little battles I've won against cancer give me strength. They give myself and those around me the strength and inspiration to keep going. You know me, I never give up.

"The skills and talents we take for granted, the effort and hard work are virtues that only the best can truly say they achieve in everything they set their mind out to do.

"I'm doing this not only for myself but for you all. To show that no matter what, you can put in effort and hard work and achieve great things against all odds. It's a lesson for my children and yours."

In the past few years, Mr Winder has been "fortunate" to have been able to offer work taste support to The Rossendale Trust.

Mr Winder added: "The clients of the trust face a lifetime of daily battles and the staff and team at The Rossendale Trust help provide them with the tools to win those daily fights.

"No matter my gripes, these guys have it all to do every day. So, this is for the residents and staff of the Rossendale Trust.

"It's for Douggie and Adam. It's for my children and it's for your children."

Mark is hoping everyone will show him some support: "If you can support me financially on this journey by donating a bit then great.

"If you can't that's no problem either as I know it's not because you don't want to. I love you all."

The White Collar Boxing event will take place in July and be held in Manchester.

To donate to Mark's fundraiser click here.

Sharon and Stuart will be featuring an interview with Mark on the station in an upcoming show, so don't forget to tune in to Canalside Radio 102.8 FM every Monday from 2pm to catch their Congleton News and Views Show.