AN author who is battling cancer has been shortlisted for a national prize just three months after releasing his first book.

Gary Raymond, 56, who is currently being treated for a tumour attached to his aorta, released Blag Steal and Borrow in June – an autobiography that chronicles his life growing up and time working in the music business.

This month, the father-of-four received word he’d been shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize – a competition promoting new and undiscovered works.

Gary, who lives in Great Leighs, said: “It’s an amazing feeling to see something you have created to be recognised.

“It’s even more amazing when people you don’t know say they enjoyed the book, because they could relate to it.”

Gary took three unsigned men from Essex - later to become Koopa - and hatched a plan to propel them into the UK top 40 charts.

The book lays bare how his mischievous trickery worked, as well as re-telling his youth, much of which was spent living in a zoo.

He said being shortlisted was "particularly welcome news – especially in the current climate with my health".

Gary contracted kidney cancer about ten years ago.

But after the organ was removed, a tumour was discovered attached to his aorta – the body’s largest blood vessel.

Currently awaiting a second major operation, Gary admitted he does suffer “low moments”, but added his fearless approach to death helps him stay positive.

He continued: “I think when your number is up then your number is up – people are dying around us every day.

“I don’t think it’s something that should be feared. I’ve done a lot with my life. Of course there are occasionally low moments when you think about everything.

“After contracting cancer it unleashed the creativity in me - it’s when I wrote my book - and I just wanted to be completely honest with people.”

The ex-Boreham FC Sunday League player has just started working on his second book - its working title is Pints and Punch-ups.

Gary added: “It’s about the lives of these strange men, who get up every Sunday morning to kick a football around.

“I’m hoping for its release before the end of the football season.”