Pub duck race in fundraiser's memory returns

Matthew Hoskins was the "life and soul of the party" and "the glue" that held his friendship group together before he died of a brain tumour aged 26, say his friends.

He was 24 when the tumour was diagnosed in August 2012 and, over the next two years, he raised money for Young Lives vs Cancer, a legacy his friends and family have carried on.

A popular duck race to fundraise for the charity in his memory will take place later in Dorchester, Dorset, marking its seventh year.

His friend Katy Jones told the BBC: "We have carried on what he started all those years ago. He would love it, I think he would be very proud of us."

With the support of Matthew's family, Katy held the first duck race at the town's Tom Browns Pub in 2018 to celebrate what would have been his 30th birthday.

Since then, the event has raised more than £14,500 for the charity.

"He did a lot of work with the charity and they supported him during his end of life," said Katy.

"It was amazing he carried on helping the charity when he was really unwell."

During Matthew's illness, he and his mum Jennie stayed in a home-from-home in Southampton, Hampshire, run by Young Lives Vs Cancer.

Katy said: "What they do is amazing, giving someone that comfort when they are so ill.

"It is harrowing going through it but having a comfortable environment to stay makes a massive difference to families.

"It gives them a sense of normality and is one less thing for them to worry about."

Friends since they were pupils at All Saints School in Weymouth, Katy said Matthew was "larger than life, he was the glue that held our friendship group together".

After his diagnosis, Matthew, who was a hairdresser, worked in a Young Lives Vs Cancer charity shop and was learning how to cut wigs, said his friend.

The duck race and fun day at the pub reflects Matthew as a person and is a chance to get together with his friends and family, said Katy, adding that it had become a Dorchester staple.

The family-friendly event starts at 12:00 BST with the duck race at 15:00.