A 'FIT, healthy young man' who was diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumour aged 29 has raised more than £30,000 for Withybush Hospital.

In the last 12 months, Luke Harding has proved he is "more than his diagnosis" by clocking up an incredible sum for Ward 10, the hospital's cancer ward.

Rounding off a year of fundraising, on Wednesday (December 20) Luke, from Letterston, presented a cheque for £18,000 to ward staff.

Despite not having received care from the ward himself, Luke felt it was vital to lend his support and keep this importance resource in Pembrokeshire.

"Not everyone is as relatively fit and healthy as me and can make the trips up and back to Cardiff," he said.

"I'm not saying this fund by itself will keep the ward here but every little helps."

"We're so proud of what we've achieved," added Luke, who praised his family, fellow fundraisers, and hospital staff for their support since his diagnosis.

"But I'm only the cog in the middle, it's everyone who has jumped on board who has turned it.

"I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us."

What started out as selling wrist bands, with the hopes of "raising a few hundred pounds", has now inspired tens of charity events, all under the #teamharding banner.

As well a tool to promote the cause, Luke has also used social media to share his treatment journey.

"I haven't shied away from showing the effect of treatment, in particular the steroids," said Luke.

"I look at photos of me from a year ago, and some people wouldn't recognise me.

"I went from stick thin to now being 17 stone, but I haven't been scared to tell it like it is."

Luke hopes sharing his story, in addition to his fundraising, will bring hope to others with cancer and their loved ones.

"Yes it's unfortunate that I'm 30 and all this is happening, but I want to let people know it's not all doom and gloom.

"I've managed to live a fairly normal life."

Luke hopes his story will also prompt others who display symptoms to get them checked out immediately.

"I coughed up blood twice, that was the only sign, and you know what blokes are like about going to the doctor, but it's so important you do."

"It's amazing what he has done for the ward," said senior sister Helen Johns.

"The patients have benefited so much, and are very grateful for what he has achieved.

"It also helps keeps the service the on the map.

"Especially with what he's going though, it's amazing - he's inspirational."

Luke will be taking a break from his daily fundraising routine in the new year, to focus on his treatment plan.

"I still want to set up a proper charity for Team Harding, but at the moment I need to wind down a bit and concentrate on my health."