AN inspiring young man who received help and support from a charity during his cancer battle has been named as its first young ambassador.

Jak Howell, 22, was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma last summer before discovering it had spread to his lymph nodes.

After undergoing two major surgeries and nine cycles of immunotherapy, Jak lost his job as he was unable to work, leaving him in financial difficulties.

He successfully applied to the Colchester-based charity Tom Bowdidge Youth Charity Foundation for a grant to help him with the cost of living and has now been named an ambassador for the group.

Jak said: “The TBF has truly been a saviour.

“I had lost my job, financial worry took over and I felt so lost I didn't know where to turn.

“The foundation came forward and helped me and their support was so amazing I felt I had to give back a small thank you for the massive amount of help they gave me.

“Becoming an ambassador, I want to help young people alongside TBF in the journey through cancer.”

Chief executive officer and founder of The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation Nikki Bowdidge added: “Jak is such an inspiration. We are incredibly proud to have him with us.”

The foundation was formed in  2014 in memory of Nikki's son Tom who died of a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour and extensive peritoneal disease in October 2013, at the age of 19.

His family vowed to carry on his fundraising legacy after his death.

For more information, go to www.tombowdidgefoundation.org.