AN AMATEUR radio enthusiast who was diagnosed with cancer three years ago has shaved his beard and head to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre.

Michael Voss, 54, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2008, but following an operation to have it removed, the cancer was found in his lungs.

Since then Mr Voss has received treatment from Dr Michael Button, who is based at the centre in Cardiff, and he wanted to give something back.

He said: “After the operation in August 2008, I was told if I survived the New Year then I would receive further treatment.

“Since then I have taken cancer drugs but they stopped working.

“I have a get-on-with-it attitude so I decided to raise money for the centre.”

Mr Voss has not seen himself without a beard and hair for 30 years, so it came as quite a shock.

His actions have raised £600, but he hopes that further donations will be handed in.

Mr Voss, who lives with his wife Janet in Garndiffaith, is a wellknown amateur radio operator, using the call sign GW8 ERA.

Since 1991 he took over the maintenance of five amateur radio repeaters for the Bristol Channel Repeater group, but he has taken the decision to slowly retire due to his health.

He said: “I’m just sorting everything out.

“I’ve been pretty well up until January when I caught an infection, and now I have to use oxygen every couple of hours.”

Anyone wishing to donate can post a cheque made out to Michael Voss, to 9 Chapel Close, Garndiffaith, Pontypool.