AN AYRSHIRE grandfather who was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago has joined forces with Sir Alex Ferguson in a bid to beat the disease.

Because David Rae's cancer was caught early, he didn't need any chemotherapy and has made a full recovery.

David joins former Manchester United boss Sir Alex at the forefront of a Scottish Government campaign this spring.

He explains: "Getting symptoms checked early could save your life. I am here, watching my grand-daughter Ellys grow up - but if I hadn't listened to my wife telling me to go to the doctor, things might have been very different."

David, who is 68, went to see his GP after developing a cough which would not clear up.

"It was my wife Christine, who made me go - I thought it was just a cold, and it would eventually go away," he explains.

"I was a joiner, used to working outside and catching all sorts of bugs.

"But the doctor referred me for a chest x-ray, and called me a few days later to say something had shown up and I needed a CT scan."

David adds: "My first thought was - cancer. But I was still shocked when they told me it was lung cancer and I needed an operation to remove part of one of my lungs.

"I remember asking my son to take me the long way round to the hospital as it dawned on me that it might be the last time I made that journey."

It was a difficult few days for David, Christine and their family.

But the operation was a success and David recovered very quickly.

"I had the surgery at 8am and by the middle of the afternoon, I was sitting up, reading a book," he smiles. "After 12 days in hospital, I was allowed home.

I didn't need any follow-up treatment at all. And last year, I was given the all clear."

Sir Alex Ferguson is also backing the Detect Cancer Early campaign as he lost both parents, who were in their sixties, to the disease.

He says: "I know the devastating impact cancer can have on families. But cancer's not what it used to be and there are now treatments that can save or extend your life.

"So rather than doing nothing about it, I urge anyone who is worried to get checked as early as they can."

The drive comes on the back of the Scottish Government's widely successful breast cancer campaign, featuring Elaine C Smith, and bowel cancer advert, which was voiced by Still Game star Ford Kiernan.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland, with around 5000 people diagnosed with the disease each year.

In the five years between 2005 and 2009, there were 6981 incidences of lung cancer in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS board area.

The campaign is already having a positive impact in Ayrshire, where David lives, and across Scotland.

Dr Hugh Brown, a GP with NHS Ayrshire and Arran explains: "Around 300 people in Ayrshire and Arran are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, many of whom are at an advanced stage of the disease. The Detect Cancer early campaign has raised awareness of the importance of getting checked early and will, we hope, increase the number of people who are diagnosed at an earlier stage of the disease.

"It's so important for people to know that there is life after lung cancer and that early diagnosis is the key.

"See your GP about any changes to your cough, chest or breathing as soon as possible and don't be afraid to share any lung cancer concerns you have, regardless of whether or not you smoke or have previously smoked."

Lorraine Dallas, director of information and support for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, adds: "If you are not detected early, your chances of surviving lung cancer in Scotland are, sadly, very poor.

"Sixty per cent of people are diagnosed when the disease is so advanced that there are few treatment options left available.

"This is why the Detect Cancer Early campaign is so important."

Dr James Cant, head of the British Lung Foundation in Scotland, agrees.

"Lung cancer is a disease which can develop slowly over a number of years," he explains. "Often it causes no pain so it's important to be aware of other warning signs and act quickly to have them checked.

"A persistent cough or coughing up blood could be symptoms of lung cancer or another lung condition. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your GP. Whatever you do, don't ignore them."

Entertaining his grand-daughter Ellys, 10, at home in Kilwinning, David, who also has a 21-year-old grandson, is also keen to encourage anyone worried about their health to get it checked out early.

"I didn't make a big deal of what happened to me, because I just wanted life to go on as normal," he says.

"Now it can and I'm grateful I am around to see my grandchildren grow up."

l For more information visit www.getcheckedearly.org