A FEARLESS fundraiser who ran, swam and climbed more than 800 miles in memory of his twin brother's girlfriend has won the very same award she was given for helping to fight cancer.

In the past year Will Ash has travelled the world to continue the fundraising legacy of 21-year-old Alice Byron, both from Bicester, who died in July 2016 after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and later leukaemia.

Mr Ash - the 'Weekend Warrior' -tackled 44 events including marathons, mountain climbs and tough mudders across dozens of countries and come full circle to be awarded the Anthony Nolan Special Recognition Award.

The same award was presented posthumously to Miss Byron last year for her efforts raising awareness of the blood cancer charity and almost £28,000 - all whilst battling the disease herself.

Mr Ash said: "I was overwhelmed when I first found out about the nomination, so to find out I had won was an incredible feeling.

"It wasn't about just winning the award for me, it was the fact that Alice was given it last year and this whole thing has been about continuing her legacy.

"This award in a simplistic way does that and that is why it means so much to me."

Mr Ash, who raised more than £6,000 for Anthony Nolan, was presented his award in front of friends and family at the charity's awards in London on Tuesday, November 28.

Celebrating with Mr Ash was his twin brother Matt and members of Miss Byron's family who also took home the Group Fundraiser of the Year' award for Team Alice.

Dozens of people have fundraised as part of Team Alice over the past year and raised more than £80,000 in her name and encouraged hundreds to sign up to the Bone Marrow Register.

Her father Jonathan Byron said: "It was an honour to be at the awards and such a surprise to win.

"Such incredible efforts have been made from lots of people fundraising as part of Team Alice.

"As a family we have been so impressed by Will's efforts and it is very moving to think he would do all that in Alice's name.

"She would have been so chuffed at the support, and incredibly embarrassed by the whole thing."

Mr Ash completed his mammoth year of charity events last month after taking to the streets of Las Vegas for his final marathon.

Leading up to this Mr Ash's efforts had taken him to all corners of the world including South Africa, Finland, and Bath, where Miss Byron's went to university and fundraising almost £28,000.

Friends and family joined Mr Ash along the way including 28 members of Team Alice at the Bath Half Marathon.

Anthony Nolan chief executive officer Henny Braund said: "We were incredibly proud to celebrate Will with other winners and nominees.

"Between them they have raised vital funds, recruited lifesavers of the future, generated awareness and volunteered countless hours to make it all happen.

"Will’s efforts towards raising both awareness and funds have been astonishing."

To donate click justgiving.com/fundraising/william-ash2502 or to sign up to the Bone Marrow Register click here