A Beckenham dad still feeling the affects of throat cancer has spoken of his joy after spending months campaigning for the HPV vaccine to be accessible to boys.

HPV is a virus spread through intimate contact and Paul Younger, 54, developed throat cancer in January of last year because of it.

Being given the vaccine as a child may have prevented his "hellish" journey, but Paul said he is relived change has come.

This Is Local London:

Boys aged 12 to 13 will be eligible for the inoculation from the start of the new school year, which is already available to girls.

"It’s brilliant news and I'm overjoyed," Paul, taking time out from his holiday in Greece, told News Shopper.

"Hopefully the cancer I suffered will be wiped out or be reduced going forward."

Beckenham dad fears he could die after ‘completely avoidable’ cancer

Paul, a Crystal Palace fanatic, will be 12 months cancer free come July, but life has changed despite returning to work.

This Is Local London:

He can no longer produce saliva and uses artificial sprays and gels to help keep his teeth clean.

His tongue is now very sensitive to many different foods and he still has damage in the inside of his throat.

Parents will still need to sign off on the vaccination, but Paul said it was a no brainer, despite the risks associated with all jabs.

"I’ve gone through hell the last 15 months," he said. "I will recommend children and their grandchildren to have it.

"Like any inoculation it’s a risk but bear in mind the impact of HPV cancer."

Paul, an NHS executive, says it's still "frustrating" that the government refuse the vaccine for boys aged 14 to 18.

Girls can be vaccinated until they are 25 but for boys the three jabs will cost £150 each.

"That’s beyond many people," Paul said.

Just two weeks ago Paul walked seven miles for the Guy’s Cancer Centre, which means he has now raised around £5,000.

This Is Local London:

Paul was first to cross the line and he also recently inspired £1,000 in donations along with fellow Palace fans for a cancer day.