AN entrepreneur and cancer survivor has created an eco-conscious cotton buds brand to give back to charities which supported him.

Sed Shaikh, founder of Bamboo Buds, was diagnosed with cancer aged 21 in 2015, right in the middle of his university studies.

“I chose to leave university to undergo my treatment,” the 27-year-old said. “I was also working at Sports Direct at the time and had to step back from that ­— though they told me I could come back as soon as I was able.

“With the cancer spreading, I had one operation after another and countless hours of chemo too.

“What should have been the best years of my life was replaced with hospital appointments, chemo, operations, and sadly losing friends to the disease.

Sed returned to work just eight months later, this time at Sainsbury’s, moving up to a managerial position.

He added: “I realised that, in the months I’d undergone treatment, I’d lost friends to cancer and I remembered how easier our experience had been made thanks to the charities that work tirelessly to help those living with cancer.

“I wanted a way that I could continuously give back to charities like Cancer Research and when I spoke to a family member who produced bamboo toothbrushes I gave it some thought and realised cotton buds are something everyone uses.

“On top of this, the government announced their plastic ban. So I created Bamboo Buds as a sustainable business.”

Sed set his sights on sourcing a manufacturer for his product, eventually finding one that would develop them in a way that allowed him to maintain his sustainable mission.

He said: “I want people to come to Bamboo Buds knowing they’re giving back while being affordable. I’m proud to say for every box sold 10p goes towards charities which supported me on my cancer journey.”