A CHEF with an inoperable brain tumour the size of an apple has shrugged aside his own health problems to try to help others.

Kidney transplant patient Ben King has suffered from kidney disease from the age of five and underwent a transplant donated from his dad when he was 17.

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But last year the 27-year-old discovered he had developed an inoperable brain tumour and shortly after his new kidney began to fail.

Despite spending months in hospital over Christmas, the former Nelson and Colne College student decided the only way he could cope with his illness was to not to know his definitive prognosis and to help others.

Ben, who lives in Reedley with his parents Fiona and Dave King, has set up BK’s Heroes, to support brain and kidney research charities and has already raised around £9,000.

He said: “In 2014 my transplanted kidney began to show signs of failure and I was admitted to hospital for a dialysis line fitting.

“Unfortunately the procedure was unsuccessful but when I came round from the anaesthetic my vision was poor.

“I then had numerous tests and scans which ultimately confirmed that I had a cancerous brain tumour.

“Medical protocol relating to cancer means I can no longer have another transplant and because of my reduced renal function I will not be able to have chemotherapy to combat the cancer.”

The former chef at the Sparrowhawk in Fence has chosen to raise money to fund research into both of the conditions he suffers in a bid to save the life of other sufferers.

Ben said: “I’ve got everything I need so I feel I need to support others. It’s what keeps me going.

“Both my parents were police officers and some of their ex-colleagues held a ‘Lancashire Day’.

“They decided to give the money raised to me for a holiday but that’s not what I wanted and so I asked them if I could give it to charity.

“There’s nothing more important to me than helping raise money for research into the two diseases that I have.”

Ben’s tumour is inoperable and he cannot undergo chemotherapy or have another kidney transplant in the future.

He has battled his illness since the age of five and taken medication.

Speaking of his transplant, Ben said: “I had the transplant while I was studying catering at Nelson and Colne College and I was able to live a normal life for several years.

“I love being a chef and worked at some great places such as the Sparrowhawk in Fence and the Ace Centre in Nelson.

“Unfortunately I’m not working at the moment but my ambition has always been to run my own little bistro.

“I’m just getting on with my life.

“One of my greatest pleasures is walking my one-year-old British Bulldog Bubba in the woods in Reedley.”

Ben’s friends have even got in on the fundraising act.

Phil Shaw has given up takeaways for a year and a ladies’ race night and trip out to the races organised by Foulridge Social Club raised £2,000.

Others competed in the Burnley 10K, while Ben’s devoted older brother Dan, 28, did a keep-fit marathon at Cross Fit in Pendle.

Ben’s father Dave, 53, said he was at a loss to describe the pride he felt for his son.

He said: “Fiona and I are just so proud of our amazing lad.

“Throughout his life he’s always put others first.

“He’s had a tough time since he was five and in the last year he’s gone through hell but he’s still determined to think of how he can help others.

“He is the driving force behind the charity. It astounds us that despite he illness he shows such humility.

“We couldn’t be more proud of him, he’s our hero.”

Earlier this week Ben launched BK’s Heroes Facebook page, which has already got more than 1,100 likes.

“It’s been overwhelming to see the support in such a short time,” he said “I didn’t think so many people would care.

“People’s support has been great, I can’t believe it and it’s really got me buzzing.

“We’re planning several other events in the future and I would genuinely like to thank everyone who has shown there support so far.”

People can show their support on the BK’s Heroes Facebook page where wristbands are available for a donation.