A 27 year old man who says he has been given a second chance at life after beating cancer is hoping to raise £10,000 to help other patients.

Matthew Ascough, 27, was told he was suffering from testicular cancer last year. Following treatment he is now in remission and wants to raise money for the charity which supported him. The first event planned is a winter wonderland ball for 1,000 people.

"It completely changes you, you are not the same person after you go through something like that," said Mr Ascough, from Yearsley near Easingwold.

"I feel I have to make the most of everything 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."

Mr Ascough was diagnosed with cancer on his mother's 60th birthday last April. He thought he was going for a routine scan and was shocked to hear he had cancer. The news came just months after he had lost his aunt and cousin to the disease.

He said: "After I had come out of the shock 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.”

Mr Ascough had an operation to remove the tumour and now undergoes regular scans. He decided to organise the winter ball to give something back, he is also planning to do a trek to Nepal.

Contact Mr Ascough on 01347-889419 and to sponsor his challenge go to https://www.justgiving.com/Macmillan-Support/