Inspirational Sheffield man thanks supporters for MBE

Dan Porter, head of sport services at Sheffield Hallam University, was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to higher education and the charity sector.

He was joined by his wife and two sons at Buckingham Palace, where Princess Anne presented him with his Member of the Order of the British Empire medal.

“I was a little nervous before but immensely proud as well.

“It is a fantastic honour and just experiencing a day like that and going to the Palace with Kerry and my two boys was very emotional,” said the 43-year-old, of Millhouses.

Mr Porter was 32 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his right cheekbone, known as adenoid cystic carcinoma.

The former rugby player, who now coaches Sheffield Rugby Club’s second team, underwent several major operations, losing his right eye, right cheekbone and nasal cavities in the process.

His treatment inspired him to establish the Danny Porter Foundation, a charity which supports people living with cancer or requiring brain surgery.

A testimonial rugby match and a bike ride from Glasgow to Sheffield are among the ways he has raised money and in 2012 he was selected by Sheffield Hallam to carry the Olympic torch through the city.

When his cancer returned a decade after his first diagnosis, he raised more than £22,000 to fund his month-long treatment in Germany last summer.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in various ways over the last 11 years,” said Dan.

“While I collected the MBE, I feel that I owe so much to so many people who have played a huge role in both getting me back to health but also supporting me at work and through the charity. It is very humbling.”

Dan’s manager at Sheffield Hallam, Richard McGloin, described him as an ‘inspiration to his friends and colleagues’.