A scientist working to beat cancer has won a prestigious national award.

Dr Allan Jordan, who lives near Fallibroome School with his wife, Davina and their two children, beat off stiff competition from across the UK to scoop the Research Engagement Award from Cancer Research UK.

At a ceremony hosted by Cancer Research UK chairman, Michael Pragnell, at London’s Merchant Taylors Hall, the audience heard about his exceptional dedication to the charity by raising awareness of his research to around 830,000 supporters over six years.

Dr Jordan, 44, who is head of chemistry at the Drug Discovery Unit at the University of Manchester, said: “I was delighted to win as it recognises the hard work of all the Cancer Research UK scientists – it is, after all, their work I’m lucky enough to be able to talk about.

“It’s fantastic to share our work with our fabulous supporters, explaining what we do in an accessible way so they not only understand it but feel empowered to share those messages.”

The scientist speaks at fundraisers and open days in his spare time as well as hosting laboratory tours and publicising the charity’s work on social media, radio and TV.

He also fundraises himself, donning a pink gorilla costume for last year’s Manchester 10k run.

He said: “We’ve changed the cancer survival rate from one in four to two in four in 40 years - we want that to be three in four in the next 20 years but without fundraisers’ support none of the breakthroughs would’ve happened.”

“It’s incredibly satisfying to think what we do could give someone with cancer extra time to see those big life events like a son or daughter getting married or a graduation.

“People with cancer just want those ‘more tomorrows’ and it’s very humbling to hear their stories.

“My grandmother had stomach cancer and fought for six months to stay alive to see me be born but she passed away just before - I think that’s why the ‘more tomorrows’ really resonates with me.”

Sarah Peach, the charity’s manager for the north west, said Dr Jordan took a genuine interest in fundraising.

She added: “He has the ability to make complicated science understandable, tailoring his talks to his audience.

“He consistently demonstrates enthusiasm, commitment and passion to the charity on top of his daily role.”