A LAMPETER athlete whose wife was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer is planning to hold a cross-denominational church service to support, celebrate and remember all those who have been affected by cancer.

Steven Holmes says anyone interested in attending the first Pause for Hope service in Wales do not need to have a church background or a strong faith.

“They could be care givers, cancer survivors, family, friends, or those worried about getting cancer,” he said. “It is open to all.”

The service has been earmarked for next October with St Peter’s Church in Lampeter cited as a possible venue.

Mr Holmes, secretary of Sarn Helen Running Club, and his wife Jane have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of lung cancer ever since Jane was diagnosed with the disease.

The super-fit athlete, who had not smoked since university, doesn’t drink, eats healthily and exercises regularly, had been devastated to learn of her diagnosis.

But while undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the 44-year-old vowed to raise awareness of the disease after figures disclosed a 35 per cent rise in the number of Welsh women being diagnosed in the last decade.

Jane went on to receive the Inspiration award at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s annual prize-giving at Liverpool.

The couple, who live at Ffarmers, recently learnt that her latest scans were clear.

“Since diagnosis and treatment, we have been overwhelmed by the support of the community and have met so many others in a similar situation,” said Mr Holmes.

“We also have learnt of the impact and scale that cancer has in our society. We know it can be a lonely place and a tough challenge, especially when the diagnosis is fresh in the mind and the journey ahead is uncertain.

“In 2015 we had the pleasure of meeting Prof Ray Donnelly in his role as founder and president of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and heard also of his faith and how he started the Pause for Hope service and charity in 1999.

"It is with the idea of hope and sharing strength through faith and support networks that I wanted to spread the work of Pause for Hope and set-up the first ever service in Wales.”

Prof Donnelly was among those who attended an exploratory meeting at St Peter’s Church Hall in Lampeter last week – and another is planned at the same venue next month.