A Worcester plasterer has reached the final of a national trade award months after being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

Jamie Nokes has made it through the semi-finals and is now a finalist of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022 award.

The 46-year-old was diagnosed with mouth cancer earlier this year and aspires to use the profile that Screwfix has given him to speak out about it.

The father-of-one said: “The award is almost in touching distance now and being one step closer to the final is exciting, and a bit nerve-wracking.

“Aside from enjoying travelling, mountain biking and spending time with my wife and daughter, I aspire to improve the perception of plasterers, which I hope winning this award would support.”

“2022 has been a challenging year, I was diagnosed with tongue cancer at the start of the year and lost 50 per cent of my tongue.

"Following this I then had to learn to speak and swallow again – not only would winning the award be a positive end to the year, but it would also allow me to use my profile to raise awareness of mouth cancer too.

“I would also like to promote apprenticeships and champion more students into the trade, using the prize to invest further in support for my colleagues as well as the younger generation of tradespeople.”

Mr Nokes, of Jamie's Plastering and Renovations, has 16 years of experience in the sector and has been chosen to face a panel of industry experts at Screwfix Live on Friday, September 23. 

He will have the chance to highlight his skills and dedication to the future of the trade, with the goal of joining Screwfix Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame.

One individual will be crowned the champion of the trade and receive a career-boosting £20,000 prize package made up of tech, tools, and training.

Jack Wallace, Screwfix marketing director, said: “Our annual award looks to reward the best tradespeople across the UK and Ireland.

"In telling their stories, we want to shine a light on the trade and the skilled work carried out by professionals, day in, day out.

"Through this award we also hope to inspire others to start a career in the trade and to champion the industry.

"Good luck to our top 10!”