INSPIRATIONAL Hampshire teenager Matt Arding joined forces with TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh to promote the Wessex Cancer Trust.

The pair united at an event in London to spread the message of the Southampton-based charity, which provides help and advice to families dealing with cancer.

Mr Titchmarsh, who has been the charity’s vice-president for more than 20 years, said: “The Wessex Cancer Trust is very much a local cancer charity but the ramifications go nationwide and even worldwide.

“It’s friendly and approachable yet incredibly effective.

“The work of the trust is hugely important – we all know someone who has been affected by cancer, and we want to do everything we can to make sure people don’t have to go through these kind of traumas.”

Matt, who has battled cancer for most of his life, recently signed up as one of the trust’s youth ambassadors.

The 19-year-old, who has virtually lost his sight to the disease, said: “Our aim is to get the younger generation interested and involved in raising money.

“We will be visiting schools, colleges and clubs to spread the word about the great work the trust does.”

Matt has endured painful surgery to reconstruct his eye socket that was removed along with a life-threatening tumour.

He is touring schools, clubs and colleges to promote volunteering and fundraising for the cause.

His message is simple. “I want to be able to encourage young people to get off the streets and do something worthwhile.”

Matt, from Sholing, Southampton, was only six months old when he was diagnosed with retina blastoma, a form of retinal cancer in both eyes. The treatment was a success until he reached 15, when he was diagnosed with oesteo cancer around the left eye, cheek bone, nose and brain.

His 16th birthday was spent undergoing intensive chemotherapy in a bid to reduce the tumour and in April 2005 Matt had a 20-hour operation at Southampton General Hospital to remove it that also meant taking away his eye. It meant losing his sight forever as he only had ten per cent vision in his remaining right eye.

Along with fronting the campaign Matt, who gained two A-levels last year, is also turning action man, signing up for a parachute jump and next year’s London Marathon to raise vital funds.

Anyone who would like a visit from Matt should e-mail tracey@wessexcancertrust.org or alison@wessexcancertrust.org. Alternatively ring 023 8067 2200.