A BRAVE Basingstoke boy, who is thought to be the youngest person in the UK diagnosed with testicular cancer, was the guest of honour at a semi-final match for the Basingstoke Town Ladies Football Club on Sunday.

Nine-year-old Jack Bristow, of Selby Walk, Popley, was diagnosed with Seminomas, a testicular cancer germ cell tumour, last December.

He has since had his right testicle removed and has undergone four cycles of chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital’s Piam Brown Ward.

His parents – Dan and Joanne, who is known as Joe – launched a fundraising appeal for the children’s ward following Jack’s diagnosis and have so far smashed their £5,000 target, raising nearly £6,000.

And Basingstoke Town Ladies became the latest group to join the fundraising campaign on Sunday by donating all the proceeds from their Southern League Chairman’s Cup semi-final match against Purley to the appeal.

Around 60 people watched the match at the Winklebury Football Stadium, in Winklebury Way, with everyone asked to make a donation to the appeal.

In addition, money raised from the sale of refreshments was also donated to the appeal, raising at least £220 on the day, although the overall total is expected to rise.

Brave Jack and his seven-year-old brother Alfie were mascots at the games and put goalkeeper Erin Davis through her paces during the warm up before leading the teams out.

And they proved to be a lucky charm as Basingstoke Town Ladies won the match 3-0, progressing to the cup final.

Craig Prall, director of football for the ladies team, told The Gazette: “It was a very successful day and we had about 55 people turn up which is about 40 to 45 more than we would do normally.

“Jack enjoyed it and he has asked about being a mascot for the final so I am trying to get that done as well. When something like this happens to someone close to the community, the town gets behind them and the family which is really good and we just wanted to be part of that.”

Jack is currently receiving his last cycle of chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital this week.

To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/Joanne-Bristow/2.

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