A CANCER survivor who has also overcome a heart attack and a knee replacement all in the past three years will carry the Olympic torch in Monmouth.

Kelvin Perrett, 65, of Cwmbran, was nominated to take part in the relay by his stepson, Rhodri Thomas, who is proud of the “inspirational” way he dealt with ill-health.

The grandfather of two, to Stuart, nine, and Grace, ten months, suffered a heart attack three years ago and shortly after underwent a knee replacement operation.

But just as he was recovering he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

His son said: “He’s had a couple of tough years, but he’s like the bionic man.

“He’s been amazing with it, to be honest, he’s coped like nothing has happened – that’s why I nominated him.

“The way he has just got on with it has been great, it hasn’t stopped him doing anything. He’s inspirational to me.”

Mr Thomas said he knew his Olympics-mad dad, who travelled to Australia for the 2000 Sydney Games, would love to take part.

Mr Perrett, who is a life member of Cwmbran Rugby Club and has run seven London marathons, was one of 36,000 people to be nominated to take part in the relay.

Now he will join 8,000 others from around the UK who will carry the torch as part of the run-up to the Games in July.

The van driver, who will cover around 300 metres of the Monmouth leg, said he was overwhelmed to have been chosen. He said: “Obviously I am very proud and feel very honoured.”