A Basildon teenager who has fought against adversity and bad luck to make the most of his life has shared his experiences to inspire a group of aspiring footballers.

Battling Danny Monk, 19, has overcome leukaemia, a burst appendix and a serious motorcycle accident to coach football to children from across the district.

Danny, who has been recently diagnosed with cancer for a second time, shrugged off his illness to address a group of school headteachers, coaches and Essex FA representatives at a special dinner held to celebrate the success of the Basildon Community Football Project.

Once an aspiring young wrestler, Danny's hopes of becoming an RAF pilot or fitness instructor were scuppered by his illnesses and injuries.

The youngster, who has spent nearly a year of his life in hospital, gained his coaching qualifications after getting in touch with Essex, Southend and Thurrock Connexions, which offers advice and support and finds jobs for teenagers across the county.

It was through his Connexions adviser Jo Hammond that Danny was put in contact with the Community Football Project, run in conjunction with West Ham United.

Speaking at the celebration dinner, held at West Ham's Upton Park stadium, the teenager said: "I love helping people to move on, especially after my experiences."

For more information about Essex, Southend and Thurrock Connexions and their services, log on to www.estconnexions.co.uk