Inspiring Steve Evans is looking forward to Christmas

And now Steve Evans is hoping to enjoy Christmas with his family, having so far gone on longer than he imagined possible.

The 52-year-old father of two has incurable stomach cancer. But he has become a star on social networking website Twitter, with more than 24,000 followers, after reaching out the world and sharing his experiences.

The comedian and magician's sense of humour has also brought him to the attention of the national media.

Today he was a guest on Richard Bacon's show on Radio Five Live where he was helping the presenter take calls from the public.

He has also previously been on the BBC's Breakfast show.

Steve, a former building surveyor for Wolverhampton City Council, said he set himself a target in April of staying well enough to perform magic in Buxton in September.

But he has now set his sights on spending Christmas with his wife of 28 years Septina and daughters Megan, 25 and Lauren, 20, at home in Old Fallings Lane.

Steve was diagnosed two years ago and has retired from the council. But he continues to work, whenever he is able, as a concierge at the Civic Halls where he had previously spent a decade looking after some of the big name stars who perform there.

He has been inducted onto the Civic's wall of fame in a ceremony attended by the comedian Jimmy Carr.

Steve said: "Cancer isn't always a negative.

"If you go into a cancer ward and look at that room, seeing those patients as you would a box of broken toys, then you are making a big mistake."

He said he had been on a 'ludicrously fantastic journey' which had also seen him be the main guest speaker for the Magic Circle.

He is now receiving care at home from district nurses.

"I had no idea that I'd be here," he said. "I've retired from performing now. I had my last great adventure when I gave a lecture to the Magic Circle last Monday.

"It was the most remarkable of evenings."

Steve has now stopped having major treatment.

"The journey isn't easy," he said. "What is happening now is what happens to everyone on one of these journeys.

"I was scared. I didn't know what it would be like. How it is, is manageable. It seems to be taking place in slow motion.

"The district nurses come in support me on what's left of this ludicrously fantastic journey."