A STUDENT who survived a life-threatening brain tumour is holding charity football match to celebrate 10 years of recovery.

The match has been organised by Tom Winchester, 16, and will take place at Bridgwater College on Sunday, August 28 and will raise money for Bristol Royal Hospital.

When Tom was just five years old, he had to undergo major surgery to have a brain tumour the size of an egg removed.

To thank the hospital for the brilliant care he received, he is now on a mission to fundraise for the hospital to help ensure even more children have the chance to lead as normal a life as he has.

To mark this significant anniversary, Tom is hosting a variety of different events throughout the year for local Bristol hospital charity, Above & Beyond, with the aim of raising an incredible £5,000. So far, he has already raised £1,500 from a 7.5 mile walk and Year 7 Valentine’s disco but hopes the football match will help rally the local community together for a great cause.

“Football is one of the things I love most and so I thought what better way to get people together and help fundraise for other kids like me, than a footie match and summer fete,” said Tom.

Talking about why he decided to set the £5,000 fundraising goal, he commented; “The doctors and nurses were always there for me and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here today, so this is to say thank you to the brilliant team who saved my life.”

The charity football match will kick-off at one ‘o’ clock on Sunday 28th August at his secondary school, Bridgwater College Academy, and there will be the chance to take part in a half time penalty shoot-out for £1 a go.

On the day, there will also be a summer fete in the school field where people will be able to buy cakes, refreshments, ice creams and take part in a raffle with the chance to win tickets to a Yeovil Town Football Club match - all proceeds will go towards Tom’s chosen charity, Above & Beyond.

For more information about the event please visit Tom’s Facebook page @toms10yearanniversary and if you would like to support him in his fundraising effort please visit: www.gofundme.com/ng63y8kp.