A PHILANTHROPIST from Bradford on Avon got the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities at the Houses of Parliament to launch national cancer awareness initiative.

Lewis Coleman, 24, was a guest of honour as an official ambassador for the specialist blood cancer charity Bloodwise met the likes of television doctor Dawn Harper and a host of MPs earlier this month.

The ambassador programme for Bloodwise, a UK cancer charity formerly known as Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research that formed back in 1960, was launched at the event in Westminster hosted by political commentator Alastair Campbell.

Mr Coleman, who works in Bath and lives in Great Ashley, lost his mother Mags to leukaemia last year at the age of 49, just a day after the birthday of her youngest son Oliver.

"Mum had one final wish to see Oliver’s birthday and, as was always the case, she managed to because of her determination, despite having the odds stacked against her," said Mr Coleman, who joined the charity after his mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.

"She was such an inspiration and has left such an impression on people’s lives. It is great to become a Bloodwise Ambassador and I will be doing my very best to continue raising awareness of blood cancer.”

In his role as ambassador Mr Coleman will speak out on behalf of patients and highlight the needs of people affected by blood cancer.

In addition to this he will work with hospitals and local healthcare settings to raise awareness, as well as providing insight into policy issues.

Celebrity GP and Embarrassing Bodies presenter Dr Dawn Harper, who is a celebrity ambassador for Bloodwise, added: “The Bloodwise Ambassador Programme is a brilliant way to bring the voices of people affected by blood cancer together, all of whom are so passionate about raising awareness and improving patients’ lives.

“It is not always easy to spot the signs of blood cancer, so it is wonderful that patients are coming together to help highlight the symptoms and issues surrounding the disease. It is exciting to see where this will lead.”

A recent survey found that when presented with a list of cancer types, nine per cent think blood cancer is one of the most common cancers, and only one in 25 per cent think it causes most cancer deaths each year in the UK.

Reta Brownlow, Head of Patient Services at Bloodwise, said: “The launch of our ambassador programme is a massive step forward in our goal to raise awareness of blood cancers.

“Many of our ambassadors have been blood cancer patients themselves and know only too well how devastating a diagnosis it can be.

"It is paramount that we increase understanding and raise awareness so that we can support each and every person affected.”