England star David Seaman kicks off cancer campaign

The former international goalkeeper, who also played for Leeds United and Arsenal, was born in South Yorkshire and returned to the county yesterday for the event.

He agreed to help publicise the Barnsley Hospital project because his father was treated by its bowel cancer specialists.

A dedicated specialist will travel around the borough in a branded van as part of the Mobile Cancer Unit plan – giving people information and encouraging them to report symptoms.

Seaman said people should not be shy about discussing the problem and added: "You're dealing with you own life here. If this is the way they find out then you have to get it done.

"I have been tested because of what happened to my dad and I think you just have to have respect for the doctors. I hope this helps to save a lot of lives in and around Barnsley.

"It's a terrific idea to get messages about cancer out into the local community. It was a pleasure to come back to South Yorkshire and say thank you to the hospital for the care they gave my dad."

The launch event was held outside Barnsley's branch of Boots in Cheapside, and Katie Hopkins, who will drive the van and offer initial advice, said the celebrity support was welcome.

She added: "Cancer is the country's biggest killer and affects the lives of one in three people. Education is the key to helping people to understand what they can do to prevent getting cancer.

"The mobile service will be a great asset to individuals and health care professionals and is a proactive way of reducing the rates of this often-fatal disease."

Seaman's father Roger said: "When I found out out I had bowel cancer, David offered to get me help through the Bobby Moore Fund, of which he's a patron.

"But I said I'd prefer to have treatment locally. I can't speak highly enough of the care I got at Barnsley Hospital – it was second to none.

"When I asked David to help with the launch, he said yes straight away and was delighted to come along."