A DEVELOPER has boosted a charity for young people fighting cancer with a £1,000 donation.

Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation has been awarded the cash through Persimmon Homes' Essex Community Champions initiative.

The Colchester based foundation provides emotional and practical support for teenagers living with the condition and was created by the parents of the popular 19-year-old, who passed away in 2013 from a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour.

Phil Standen, managing director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: "The foundation is such an important outlet for young people at a very vulnerable time in their life.

“They work incredibly hard in supporting their cancer journey and we wanted to help keep this essential service going.

Nicci Walmsley, a trustee of the charity, added: "We are so grateful for the support of Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions fund - the donation will go such a long way in helping those affected by cancer.”

Each month Persimmon Homes donates up to £2,000 to community groups in each of the 31 areas it operates in.

Visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.