HIS battle with cancer has virtually claimed his sight but Matt Arding is determined to make the most of his life - and is calling on other youngsters to do the same.

Despite continuing to endure painful surgery to reconstruct his eye socket that was removed along with a life-threatening tumour, the brave teenager, who has just ten per cent vision in his remainng eye, is fronting a campaign aimed at encouraging young people to join the fight against the disease.

Matt, 19, has become an ambassador for the Wessex Cancer Trust Youth Campaign and 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.

"You can't listen to the news without hearing about kids getting into trouble, with street crime or violence but there is so much positive stuff out there.

"This opportunity is open to all, and I want to raise the awareness and make them realise that there is more to life, to take the step forward and do something good with your time by helping others "It is about giving young people the chance to do something worthwhile and highlight the good work that so many are doing already. We aren't all bad."

Matt, from Sholing, Southampton, also wants to raise awareness of the disease.

"I want to make teenagers aware that they are not untouchable and that cancer is not just for the older generations, but can hit at any time and at any age."

Matt 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.

In between his charity work Matt is also undergoing surgery to reconstruct his eye socket that will result in a prosthetic eye being fitted with magnets.

● If anyone would like to get in touch regarding the Youth Campaign or would like a visit from Tracey and Matt email tracey@wessexcancertrust.org or alison@wessexcancertrust.

org or call 023 8067 2200. If you want to sponsor Matt or arrange a visit contact the charity at wessexcancer.org.