A FATHER-OF-TWO who has incurable cancer has received an award for his charity efforts and services to the Royal Air Force.

Shahbaz Saleem, a senior aircraftman, has received a Station Commander’s Commendation, The 27-year-old, who has served in Afghanistan and Libya, was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year.

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He was told his cancer was inoperable and incurable and was admitted to Pendleside Hospice.

‘Shabz’ as he is known to his friends and family, hails from Reedley and joined the RAF as a teenager.

He has raised more than £13,000 for Pendleside Hospice.

RAF Leeming station commander, Group Captain David Arthurton, also presented the commendation for his commitment to the Armed Forces Muslim Association.

Senior Aircraftman Saleem said he is determined to raise awareness of his cancer in young people.

He said: “I am really humbled by everyone here.

“I would not have been able to do it without the staff here at Pendleside.

“I am grateful to have such a lovely team, it felt great to put the uniform on again.”

As a serving member of the RAF, he has organised a number of inter-faith events help break down barriers between communities and misconceptions about the armed forces.

Group Captain Arthurton said: “I have only recently arrived at RAF Leeming, but as soon as I started asking questions about Senior Aircraftman Saleem it struck me what an incredible individual we have.

“It was quickly apparent that he is no ordinary airman.

“What he continues to do now really goes above and beyond.”

For more visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Shahbazsaleem.