A DETERMINED teen has organised an exciting day out to fundraise for a cancer charity that helped his family after his mum died.

Taylor Roberts, 17, of Harwich, is organising the event which will take place in Kingsway Hall with several fun acts and activities.

Dawn Roberts-Fuller, Taylor’s mother, died from cancer in 2019 and since then he has vowed to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK.

Taylor said: “As I was so young I’m not too sure of the specifics, all I knew was my mum was unwell but I didn’t know how severe it was.

“It was really upsetting and obviously I haven’t had a mother since. I think the mother figure is the most crucial in life but my family has stuck by me.

“My uncle and aunt have become my guardians and I moved in with my nan who is 91 but still helps with me everything.”

Dawn underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Colchester Hospital before being transferred to Fryatt Hospital in Harwich which allowed Taylor to see her more.

She even got to spend some of her last moments at home which was a real boost to the family but had to go back to Fryatt Hospital as her health deteriorated.

Dawn died on March 16, 2019, aged 42, leaving behind Taylor and his two older brothers, who he credits as being instrumental in helping him cope.

Taylor added: “My brothers were so helpful in building a support network along with the rest of my family.

“When mum was still here we used to go on annual holidays to Great Yarmouth, she was a bubbly personality and worked on the seafront so everyone knew her.

“On the day of her funeral, the procession left from my house and the whole street was packed.”

Singer Ruby Poole, saxophonist The SaxWalker, CC Dance Studios and DJ Kyle Willats perform at the event

A raffle has been organised with more than 40 prizes including vouchers for driving lessons, beauty supplies and paintballing.

The event will take place on Friday, March 24, from 6pm to late in Kingsway Hall, adults tickets cost £8 and  £15 for children under 15.

To buy a ticket, contact Amy’s Burger’s Van on 07581 525047 and Kingsway Hall on 07483 327650.