A TEENAGE boy, who lost his dad and grandfather to cancer, joined fellow students to help raise money for charity.

Tom Breakwell, 17, teamed up with other business students at South Essex College to raise £1,451 for Cancer Research UK.

Tom’s father died when he was just nine years old, then his grandfather died six months later.

The team, including Tom, Libby Hodges, Perry Bouke, Harry Deebank and Greg Warner, put on a music gig to raise the cash.

Tom said: “It was a very rough period for me, my twin and my mum.

It was a very hard time, but we were very lucky to have lots of support.

“We decided to put on the event as part of our course and raised the money through tickets, a raffle, and selling Cancer Research flowers and games.It was a brilliant night.”

Now Tom and his friends have been invited as guests of honour to a major cancer fundraiser.

Kieran Meikle, vice chairman for Cancer Research UK’s Southend Relay for Life, said: “Tom contacted the charity to tell us about his event and we expected a small, low key event, with a band and were astounded to find a large hall with a professional band practising and an audience area being arranged for 220.

“The event was organised to a very professional standard and we are extremely proud of Libby, Tom and the rest of the team for such an amazing event.

“The standard of performance, lighting and audience area was perfectly arranged by the students.”

The team of five youngsters will meet with the mayor during this year’s Cancer Research UK Southend Relay for Life, on July 25, at Garon Park.

They will present their cheque to the charity and be invited on stage and thanked by Cancer Research UK.

The event will see thousands of people take on a 24-hour relay challenge for charity, with teams talking shifts to complete the walk around the athletics track, with many wearing fancy dress.

As night falls, a Candle of Hope ceremony will take place, where fundraisers will light candles around the track with messages in memory or celebration of loved ones.

Tom said: “I feel extremely privileged to be invited as a guest of honour.”