ASHLEY was the first recipient of money donated to the Ben Howard Memorial Fund, set up to help cancer sufferers.

The fund was founded by Carol Howard, of Trent Vale, in honour of her son Ben, who was 21-years-old when he lost his battle with stomach cancer in December.

Carol started the charity to help provide experimental gene therapy for cancer patients in Staffordshire.

But while she battles red tape and hospital officials, she wanted someone in the same situation as her son to benefit from the £7,000 collected.

When Carol heard about Ashley's plight, she decided to help make his remaining time special by giving him £1,000 towards a deposit on his first family home with his fiancee Stephanie in May.

Carol said: "Ashley was an inspiration. He had no intention of dying. When you're given news of terminal cancer people think you are in denial if you stay positive, but Ashley did not give up on fulfilling his dreams and managed to set up home with his fiancee, get married and make the most of his life. When you're a young man stopped in your stride by cancer it's terrible, but while you are still here every day counts.

"People should be aware of the financial difficulties faced by people with cancer who desperately want to make their remaining time as special as they can."