A YOUNG man who said he has been given a "second chance" at life after beating cancer, plans to raise £10,000 to help other patients.

Matthew Ascough, 27, was shocked to receive the news last year that he was suffering from testicular cancer.

Following treatment he is now in remission but he said he cannot forget the experience and has vowed to try and raise £10,000 for the charity which supported him by holding events and challenges including a 1000-capacity Christmas ball.

"It completely changes you, you are not the same person after you go through something like that," said Matthew, who comes from Yearsley between Easingwold and Helmsley.

"I feel I have to make the most of everything in my life now because, in a way, I have been given a second chance.

"I hope that will be it for me, but I now know what it is to deal with cancer. I have seen how unlucky others are and how much people affected by cancer really need your help."

Matthew was diagnosed with cancer on his mother's 60th birthday last April.

Having told her he was going to buy a present, he went to what he hoped would be a routine scan at York Hospital to be told experts believed he was suffering from cancer. The news came months after he had lost his aunt and cousin to the disease.

He said: "I wasn't worried as I went about a lump and was told it was 99 per cent a cyst but to get it checked, after going to the hospital alone, I had an ultrasound and to my shock horror to be diagnosed with testicular cancer and I was all alone.

"After I had come out of the shock from my doctor and not really knowing what was going to happen, a lovely Macmillan nurse was appointed my way and instantly I was made to feel better, she held my hand and said you'll be okay and talked me through everything, the life change it could be, financial help and the treatment and instantly felt I was in good hands."

Matthew went through treatment in May and June last year which involved an operation to remove the tumour followed by a two week recovery period. He now undergoes regular scans.

Matthew’s first event will be the Winter Wonderland Ball at Elland Road on December 18. The event will include a white carpet entrance with Santa and Las Vegas Show Girls, a drinks reception with live music, a three course festive dinner with wine, live entertainment, a casino, auction, band, disco and photo booth among other things.

He also plans for him to do the Nepal Trek in March 2015 and is holding a large coffee morning in September.

To sponsors his challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Macmillan-Support/

• Tickets for the charity ball are available now for £60 per person plus postage fee. Please contact organiser Matthew on 01347 889419 or wonderlandball@outlook.com for further details and tickets.