THE mother of a young cancer survivor has thanked the people of York for their generosity, after raising £44,000 for charity.

Angela Long’s son, Jonathan, was 19 when he fell off his skateboard and suffered intense pain, which doctors later discovered was caused by a tumour on his right femur.

He was diagnosed with high-grade osteosarcoma, and underwent treatment at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, and Birmingham Orthopaedic Hospital, where his femur was removed.

Angela, of Stamford Bridge, teamed up with the Teenage Cancer Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, and helped organise a charity ball to raise funds for the groups.

Angela said: “The October Ball was a huge success and thanks to our fantastic sponsors and the generosity of the people of York and surrounding area our final figure was £44,000.

“It was a fantastic result and worth all the hard work. We gave £22,000 to the Macmillan Cancer Support, and presented the other £22,000 to the Teenage Cancer Trust at the St James’ Hospital young adults’ ward Christmas party.”

Jonathan is now 21 and in remission. He has completed a college course in media moving image production, and has performed several shows as a DJ around York.

Angela said: “Jonny continues to do well and was busy over Christmas, producing music for a set he did on Christmas Eve at The Gallery.

“His music has given him something really positive to do.”

Speaking to The Press earlier this year, Jonathan said he was hoping to get back on his skateboard, and was learning to balance again after his bone replacement.

Angela said: “Jonny has been back on a skateboard a few times, but the weather isn’t helping right now.

“He said he’s also hoping to go snowboarding next year.”