AN architect diagnosed with eye cancer during a chance test took part in a Three Peaks Challenge that raised more than £7,000 for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Matt Crawford had popped into town for a haircut when he was given a flyer for a free eye test.

The 31-year-old, who works in London, was immediately referred by the optician to hospital where he was diagnosed with cancer a few days later.

He was treated at The National Centre for Eye proton Therapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

The centre has been treating patients with low energy proton for 30 years, with patients from across the UK and around the world being referred for the specialist treatment.

To thank the centre's staff Matt and friend Simon Ingall took on the Three Peaks challenge in May to raise money for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Not content with climbing the three highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland they opted to cycle the distances in-between.

Looking back on the challenge, Matt said: "It was really tough.

"The weather was awful in the first two days, high winds and rain which really affected the itinerary.

"We were coming down Scafell Pike in the Lake District in the pitch black then had to get up at 4am to cycle to Scotland.

"By the last day we were both broken but it was worth it and the feeling when we got to the top of Ben Nevis was amazing.

"The elation of finishing is something I can't explain, one of the best feelings of my life."

Recalling events leading his treatment, Matt said: "I had been experiencing a bit of blurred vision in my right eye for a while but had put it down to hay fever.

"It turned out I had uveal melanoma in my right eye, resulting in a 9mm tumour.

"I was referred to hospital in Liverpool for a second opinion and was then told about Clatterbridge and proton."

He stayed in a Wirral hotel when he was being treated.

He has retained the majority of vision in his eye and was so impressed by the whole Clatterbridge experience he wanted to give something back.

He said: "I couldn't have been more impressed and want to help other people receive this treatment."

Before his diagnosis in July last year Matt and girlfriend Lindsay Barthan were due to set off on a round the world holiday.

The postponed trip will now start in a few weeks with the couple heading to New Zealand for six months before returning to the UK for Matt to have a check-up and enjoy Christmas with their families. They will then set off for America.

Matt said: "We had always planned to do this trip and now we can.

"I am very grateful for my treatment at Clatterbridge."