THE owner of a Chester fish and chip shop who won his battle against cancer is celebrating being shortlisted for a national award.

Richard Foster, 56, was diagnosed with tongue cancer in November 2016, just a month after buying Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove with wife Josette.

The father-of-two was treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and the couple say they want to publicly thank the hospital for its support after their business was voted one of the top 10 fish and chip shops in the country and a finalist in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year category at The National Fish and Chip Awards 2020.

Josette, 56, said: “Richard and I married in August 2016 and bought the business in October. Just a month later, we got his diagnosis. We were devastated but we dug deep and relied on the support of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and our amazing team at the shop to get us though.

“Richard endured seven weeks of radiotherapy, three rounds of chemo and was an inpatient for several weeks. The care he received at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre was first class. I was never worried about leaving him. Whilst it was a very sad time, we both have fond memories of the hospital with the staff and other patients and families keeping our spirits up.”

Having made a full recovery, the couple ploughed all their energy into their business, which offers customers sustainably sourced fish, gluten free options and vegan options. Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove is also plastic free and is a Chester Zoo Sustainable Palm Oil Champion.

The couple’s hard work has seen them awarded Best Newcomer at The National Fish and Chip Awards in 2018 and now the shop is shortlisted for Fish and Chip Shop of the Year 2020.

“Coming back to work after his treatment gave Richard a focus and Dr Husband and the team at Clatterbridge was really supportive of him resuming his normal life,” added Josette.

“Being shortlisted for Fish and Chip Shop of the Year is not only testament to the hard work of us and our team but the amazing care from the staff at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Thanks to them, we’re able to cherish every day and create the great partnership we have.”

Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove will know if it has been voted the country’s best fish and chip shop at The National Fish and Chip Awards in January 2020.