The crane driver who rescued a worker trapped by a huge fire in central Reading has been told he has incurable cancer - but the praise he has received for his heroics has helped him "keep his chin up."

Glen Edwards, 66, was dubbed "the Bruce Willis of Reading" after he jumped into action when a fire engulfed the top of the high-rise construction site in the Station Hill development on Thursday, November 23. 

The crane driver managed to manoeuvre a personnel transportation cage into the smoke and flames - giving a trapped worker the means to escape the blazing inferno.

Speaking to this reporter in his first interview immediately after the dramatic rescue, Glen described the incident as "not your average day in the office." 

The dramatic events led to TV appearances on Good Morning Britain and a huge Go Fund Me fundraising campaign that raised £10,000 to "buy Glen a pint."

Glen's actions also led to a string of bravery awards for the Egham resident, including awards from Runnymede Borough Council and the British Fire Services Association - and he's up for a Pride of Reading Award. 

Now the retired crane driver has revealed that the community recognition has supported him as he deals with a diagnosis of incurable spinal cancer. 

Speaking to The Reading Chronicle, Glen said he had been undergoing treatment for cancer in his tongue since last February - but last Thursday he was told that he had spinal cancer, with the news coming as "a complete shock."

He said: "It started with me walking about and getting a few aches and pains in my back, and I thought it was just old age.

"They can't cure it but drugs can supress it and keep it at bay. 

"I'm going to need treatment for the rest of my life."

The 66-year-old is still unable to eat solid foods due to his tongue cancer treatment and he will now need to attend hospital every two weeks for further treatment. 

Glen has now had to retire from being a crane driver due to his illness. Glen has now had to retire from being a crane driver due to his illness. (Image: NQ)

He is now focused on marrying his partner of 10 years, who has been "unbelievably proud" of her fiancé.

 Glen said: "We have already had to cancel one wedding date because of the cancer. 

"She's so proud of me it's unbelievable. She said she wouldn't expect anything less from me. 

"Hearing her say that makes everything worthwhile. I wouldn't have got through this without her." 

And the widespread community praise for his daring action last year has helped him remain positive throughout his cancer ordeal. 

Glen said: "It's nice to get this recognition. It helps me keep my chin up 

"I'm trying not to be all doom and gloom about it. I'm very optimistic about it."

Earlier this week, Glen won in the bravery category of BBC Radio Berkshire's Make A Difference Awards. 

He said: "There was a fireman there who was nominated, and I thought, 'Oh he's going to get it'.

"So it was a complete shock when I won."

And last month, after more than a year of trying to contact the man he rescued, Glen was finally able to make contact.

Glen said it was "pure coincidence" that a former colleague found himself working with the rescued man. 

Glen said: "I have been trying to contact him for over a year. He couldn't thank me enough."

Reflecting on the last two years, Glen said: "It's unbelievable - you couldn't write it."