A YOUNG man who survived cancer is holding an event at York Racecourse in a bid to raise £6,000 for the charity which supported him.

Matt Ascough, from Yearsley, was 26-years-old when he was diagnosed as suffering from testicular cancer.

He received life-saving treatment and in thanks for the kindness offered to him by Macmillan Cancer Support, he organised the Macmillan Cancer Hopes and Dreams Charity Ball at York Racecourse last year.

The ball raised £4,500 and now Matt hopes to replicate its success with the announcement of the second Hopes and Dreams ball, planned for June 10.

Matt is now close to being given the all-clear from cancer, he said, but has been further inspired to fundraise by the recent death of a family friend.

He said his experiences “keep you going and make you want to make a difference”.

Matt was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. Having told his mother he was going to buy her a present for her 60th birthday, he went to what he hoped would be a routine scan at York Hospital. He was told he had cancer, a diagnosis which came months after he lost his aunt and cousin to the disease. Subsequent support from a Macmillan nurse proved invaluable, he said.

The June event will include a green carpet welcome, drinks reception with acoustic player Val Boyes, a three-course dinner, live dinner entertainment, a wishing tree raffle, live and silent auctions and dancing with live band The Monotones and a DJ.

Matt has thanked local businesses and residents for their support with the event.

Tickets cost £39 per person. To book, phone 07733 833710 or emailing matt.ascough@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk