A CANCER survivor is swapping his pint of beer for a cup of tea as part of a month-long fundraising challenge.

Mark Riding, a grandfather from Hereford, is going alcohol free for January as part of 'Dryathlon' to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK after he was treated for bladder cancer in 2010.

The 49-year-old had surgery followed by a one-off dose of chemotherapy and was soon declared cancer free.

The fundraising campaign invites social drinkers to take a month-long break from alcohol and either get sponsored or donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to the charity.

"It all happened so quickly it didn’t really hit me I’d had cancer until some months later,” said Mark.

“I felt so lucky that my cancer had gone and I wanted to help others, so I signed up for Dryathlon in January 2014. My wife Barbara teased me that I’d never survive a month on the wagon, but that just made me more determined!”

On that occasion Mark’s employer, Cargill Meats Europe in Hereford, matched his fundraising and he raised £190.

But in October 2014 a routine check revealed a new cluster of tumours in Mark’s bladder. Luckily, the cancer had been caught early enough to be removed with surgery.

Mark added: "The guys at work were fantastic, really supportive while I was ill and always ready to help with fundraising. Now I’m back to full fitness again I’m ready to take on Dryathlon for a second time this January."

Mark is the entertainment secretary at Great Western Railway Staff Association Railway Club in Barton Yard, Hereford but says that his role won't hinder his no alcohol challenge.

He added: "It can be hard when you’re on the committee of a social club and part of your job is to prop up the bar – but I know I can do it!

“I’m sure my mates will be clinking pint glasses in front of my face whenever they get chance, but that’s okay, it’s all part of the challenge.

"Last time the hardest part was waking up on New Years Day and not being able to drink and realising you can't until February.

"However, the money raised in the past has helped me got over my cancer."

Since it launched in 2013, over 170,000 people have taken part in Dryathlon across the UK and helped raise a fantastic £17 million to help beat cancer sooner.