A GRIEVING son has become the ‘face’ of a national fundraising cancer campaign after losing his mother to the disease.

James Felce was picked from thousands to launch a fundraising campaign for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) because of his support for the charity.

Now leaflets featuring the 23-year-old will be sent to homes across the country in aid of cancer prevention research and education programmes.

Mr Felce, of Cherwell Street, East Oxford, raised more than £3,550 when he ran for WCRF in the London Marathon last year – eight months after his mother Anne Webb died from cancer at the age of 54.

Mr Felce said: “My mum died only two weeks after her initial symptoms and diagnosis. I would hate for others to go through what my family and I went through.

“When mum passed away I decided the best way to remember her and contribute towards trying to stop this terrible disease was to take part in the marathon and raise money for WCRF.

“I was determined to raise as much money as possible for this cause, which I strongly believe in, and I was able to pass on the cancer prevention message to friends and family.

“I am really pleased that I can help in some small way.

“I feel quite humbled to think that my story and picture is worth using.

“And I know my mum would be thrilled that something good can come out of it.”

WCRF raises awareness that cancer is largely prevent- able and helps people make choices to reduce their chances of developing the disease.

Its work includes funding scientific research into how cancer risk is related to diet, physical activity, and weight management, and education programmes that highlight the fact that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through changes to lifestyle.

Mr Felce, who is studying for a PhD in molecular immunology at St Cross College, said he hopes one day to lend his scientific skills to the fight against cancer.

He said: “It’s certainly a possibility.

“Cancer immunology is quite big these days and there’s a lot of treatments targeting tumours,” he added.

“Hopefully one day we’ll live in a world where people don’t have to feel the helplessness of watching a loved one die from cancer. But to get there we need organisations such as WCRF to continue their excellent work.”