WIRRAL’S best known wheelchair charity champion hopes to raise much-needed funds for a leading cancer charity this weekend when he makes an appearance in Heswall.

Swasie Turner MBE has travelled the world completing gruelling challenges to raise money for a variety of local cancer charities.

He has trundled the 110 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne across the South Downs Way, propelled his wheelchair along the 98 miles of Hadrian’s Wall and climbed Ben Nevis.

But on Saturday, Swasie – an ex-policeman who was injured on duty - will be taking on a different sort of challenge when he hosts a book signing at Gould’s in Heswall in aid of North West Cancer Research.

Swasie, whose charity endeavours were recognised in 2005 when he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours, will sign copies of his latest book, If It Was Up To Me – the third cartoon book which lampoons the Nation’s “jobsworths” and politically correct pontificators with amusing caricatures.

Born and bred in Saughall Massie, Swasie has been relentlessly raising money for cancer charities since the death of his wife Marjorie in 1997.

He lost his right leg after an attack on duty when he was serving as a front line sergeant for Merseyside Police.

His leg had to be amputated high above the knee and with prosthesis unsuccessful, Swasie has been performing remarkable feats of strength and stamina with his standard issue NHS wheelchair ever since.

Swasie said:  “This is the third cartoon book I’ve completed. I enjoy having an outlet to express my sense of humour – and sometimes my frustration with the absurdities of modern life - and I love being able to entertain readers with my drawings.

“I’m totally dedicated to raising money for deserving local causes.

“My wife Marjorie was treated in Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology which began my long relationship with the North West Cancer Research and Clatterbridge Cancer Research charity.

“The research they do into understanding cancer is absolutely crucial to improving outcomes for those of us living with cancer, and best of all it directly benefits people living in the north west.”

Ann Jackson, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “Swasie has been raising funds for us for many years; he’s a fabulous man with so many amazing stories to tell. We’re extremely grateful for the valuable fundraising he has done for us.”

Swasie will be at Gould’s, 135 Telegraph Road, Heswall, from 10.30am – 12pm on Saturday, May 10.