Friends rally for funeral of cancer fundraiser

Almost £12,000 has been raised to give a young York cancer campaigner the "dignified and loving farewell he deserves".

Cain North, who died last month aged 24, raised more than £40,000 for charities following a brain tumour diagnosis in April 2023.

His charity work following his diagnosis saw him nominated in 2024 in the bravery category of BBC Radio York's Make a Difference Awards, recognising local heroes.

Cameron Coates, who set up the fundraiser, said Cain was "the perfect best friend who only ever wanted to help other people".

Ahead of Cain's funeral on Wednesday, Cameron said the money raised would also support Cain's parents who had "spent a lot of time off work over the last three years" for medical appointments and visits.

Cain's friend, Max Rollinson, said: "The family are the closest thing to you.

"We've done everything we can as best friends, but the family have lived and breathed it for the last three years, 24 hours a day, so they deserve as much as they can get really."

He added: "As a friend Cain was the best. He'd just do anything to help anyone and never once put himself first.

"He always thought of other people, even when he got the absolutely devastating news."

Remembering the night of the Make a Difference Awards, Cain's friend Ziggy Dudman said: "Seeing him up there with what he was going through, and yet he was the most positive man in the room.

"There was never a day without a smile on his face no matter what."

Cain, a former personal trainer, played rugby for York Acorn and supported York Knights.

His final days were spent in a hospice, which Cameron, who had played rugby with Cain since he was seven years old, said was difficult to see.

"But he was always there for us so we just needed to be there every single day for him," he said.

"It was tough, it was horrible to see, but that's what he'd be doing for us, so we just wanted to help him get through it."

Asked about a favourite memory of Cain, he said: "He's been the perfect best friend all through my life.

"Every time I've needed him he's been there and that's what I'll always remember."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.