A South Lakes teacher who is battling cancer has praised four students who raised £1,000 in his name.

Kirkbie Kendal School teacher Geoff Cater, 62, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 and four students ran the Great Manchester Run to raise money for the Rosemere Cancer Centre in Preston, which has been treating him.

“Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, the kids have been incredible and their support has been amazing,” said Mr Cater.

“They understand cancer because they still see me walking around and yelling at them. People associate cancer with dying but I am still going three years on.”

Mr Cater has had 37 radiotherapy treatments and still requires monthly injections, as well as taking tablets daily, but is delighted that the group stepped in to help out when he became too ill to run in Manchester.

He added: “I have been raising money for Rosemere and they sent me a list of activities to get involved with. I thought this one would really appeal and asked the students if they would like to be involved.

“Four students came forward and decided to run for me because I wasn’t well enough. My treatment has been quite debilitating and I am still going for check ups every three months, so I am living from one consultation to the next, but we had a great day in Manchester and the kids were lovely.”

The year 13 students – Mark Carruthers, Brooke Kenny, Abbie Taylor and Blake Wilson – said it was the least they could do for the media studies teacher, who has taught at the school since 1980.

Mark said: “We have done work before raising money for the centre and have had prostate cancer days in school. It was special for us to do the race because it wasn’t only helping the centre but it was for Mr Cater too. He was delighted and we were all keen to do what we could.”

As well as the 10km run in Manchester, a further £395 was raised for the centre by year nine students.