Charity inspired by South Yorkshire cancer victim raises £500,000

Ex-England rugby union player Lewis Moody set up the Lewis Moody Foundation after he met teenage cancer victim, Joss Rowley-Stark, from Treeton, Rotherham, in 2012.

Joss, who was 15 at the time and played rugby himself, was battling cancer when his friends at Wickersley Comprehensive School arranged for international star Lewis to meet the teenager.

He gave Joss and his family VIP tickets to a Six Nations game for his 16th birthday and kept in touch with the youngster until he lost his fight for life.

​Lewis then set up a charity to provide special 'family days' for other cancer victims and their families

This week, when Joss would have celebrated his 20th birthday, Lewis said: "Five years ago I met Joss Rowley-Stark, a young man who changed my life.

"His infectious energy, humility and selflessness inspired me to start The Lewis Moody Foundation.

"To date Joss has helped us raise over half a million pounds which has gone towards helping and supporting young families that are affected by brain tumours.

"You are always in our thoughts Joss."

Joss' parents said: "We can only imagine just how proud he would be at all the amazing work that has gone on and continues to do so in his memory over that time.

"The Lewis Moody Foundation makes us feel like Joss is still around, making a difference to others. He would feel so proud."