A FORMER policeman turned world kickboxing champion who has defied the odds in an ongoing battle with cancer hopes to inspire others by opening his own gym.

Dave Bolton has been described by oncologists as "the ultimate inspiration".

During the past year, he has undergone two life-threatening operations on his brain and is continuing treatment with bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

He was diagnosed with an astrocytoma grade two tumour last May and underwent emergency surgery to remove it.

He embarked on a voyage of health, fitness, western medicine, alternative therapies, surgery and self discovery to try and fight his cancer.

But in July, father-of-two Dave was given the worst news possible that his grade two tumour had in fact changed into a grade four Glioblastoma.

He was given just three months to live without treatment and has just started six months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy to try and give the final blow to Terry – the name given to Dave’s tumour.

Despite this, earlier this week, the 31-year-old was out running with wife Samantha. 

The father-of-two will open the new Underground Training Station (UTS) in Hoylake, a gym he has played a key role in helping create, on Saturday afternoon.

He said: "I cannot wait to be back coaching at the UTS as soon as possible.

"I may have cancer but cancer does not have me.

"The medics say one thing, I say another, and I believe I have another 12 years at least – I am a survivor and I will defy all medical odds."

In 2004, Dave was told he would never walk again after a near-fatal motorbike accident.

He not only walked again, but went on to take a kickboxing world champion title in 2009.

He started coaching and personal training at the UTS earlier this year, joining the team after taking early retirement from the police force.

He added: "My whole life has been about sport and exercise.

"My attitude to life has been forged by training and so being at the UTS is the perfect environment for me.

Dr Colin Robertson, director at Underground Training Station, said: "Dave lives and breathes a positive, active, and dedicated lifestyle, something which only became stronger when he was first diagnosed; when most people would crumble.

"Dave only became stronger and more determined; Dave is a warrior, and he is an absolute inspiration to everyone he meets."

Fellow UTS director and England Rugby Union strength and conditioning coach Neil Parsley added: "Dave is a fantastic coach and a real motivator.

"We are honoured and privileged to have him opening our new world-class facility and we cannot wait for him to be back coaching with us."

Dave will officially 'cut the ribbon' for the new facility at 2pm on Saturday. Visitors will be able to meet the team. Underground Training Station in Newhall Lane and meet the team.

There will also be a series of classes – all free of charge - and people will be given the opportunity to try out the new state of the art equipment.

The day of free activities starts at 11am. Further details about the open day are from 0151 632 6409.