Supporters are being encouraged to wear unity bands to mark the event on 4 February

A dad who married the love of his life only weeks after being diagnosed with a rare cancer has been chosen as the face of a new campaign designed to save lives.

Craig Speirs brought his dream wedding day forward by a year after tests revealed tumours in his liver.

Now he’s teamed up with his wife Angela and children, Rhianne, eight, and Adam, one, to launch World Cancer Day in Scotland.

Craig, 37, said: “I’ll keep on fighting and I’m determined to do everything I can to help other people suffering from his horrible disease.

“I have so much to live for. I want to see my son start school and walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. I’d like to dance with my wife on our silver wedding anniversary and read stories to my grandchildren. There is life after cancer today thanks to research and thanks to scientists developing better treatments for the disease. Just by wearing a Unity band, everyone can help make a real difference to people with cancer.”

Speirs, of Elderslie near Paisley, is highlighting Cancer Research UK’s Unity bands for World Cancer Day which is on Sunday 4 February. The event is designed to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment.

As part of the event supporters are being encouraged to wear Unity Bands, available for a suggested donation of £2. The bands feature a classic reef knot design to symbolise the strength of people coming together to unite against cancer.

Unity Bands are available in all Cancer Research UK shops and can also be purchased online.