A young man who was diagnosed with cancer at just 17 has organised a football tournament with his best friend to raise money for a charity which supported him through his treatment.

Louis Brooks, now 20, from Mersham near Ashford, was diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPST) in 2019 and was supported by the charity Young Lives vs Cancer who he will be raising money for as a thank you for everything it has done for him.

"Throughout my whole time with my cancer, Young Lives vs Cancer helped me out," Louis said.

"I wasn’t working so didn’t have much money, so they helped me out with grants and bursaries and my parents' travel costs.

"They helped me set up my make a wish, I went to Finland. They liaised with the school and helped me with my A-levels.

"They've helped me out more than I can thank."

Louis's best friend and fellow footballer, Calum Bottle, has helped to organise the event which will be taking place today at Ashford United's Homelands Stadium in Kingsnorth.

“We’re doing this to raise as much money for the charity, the more people come down, the better the day out for everyone and the more money raised," Calum said.

The pair held a charity football tournament last year where they raised more than £1,300, and they are hoping to top the total this year with the help of Kent based TW Roofing services which is sponsoring the kits.

Louis' cancer diagnosis came as a shock after going to the doctors when a warm bulge in his side had started causing pain while he was refereeing.

He was later told it was a tumour. “When I first got diagnosed, it came as a shock to be honest," Louis said.

"You don’t expect it to happen. Then in 2020, I relapsed and that was again unexpected because I'd had the all clear for over a year and it came back. You can’t really comprehend it."

Alex Drury, senior fundraising engagement manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, said the charity runs entirely on donations soit can't thank Louis and Calum enough for their 'fantastic efforts'.

“When cancer strikes young lives we step in to help families find the strength to face cancer," he said.

"Thanks to them, we will be able to help even more children and young people thrive, not just survive, after their cancer diagnosis.”

Kick-off for today's match will be at midday but entrance into the stadium is from 11.30am with a minimum donation asked of £2 on entry.

All profits on the day will be donated to the charity.