A BLACKWOOD mother has launched a new charity, as set out by her son, just before he died of cancer last year.

The Matthew Walklin’s Make a Smile Foundation was proposed by Matthew before he died from a rare form of testicular cancer on March 18, 2012 shortly prior to his 28th birthday.

The charity launched on Saturday evening at a fundraiser event at Pontllanfraith's Workmen's Social Club. The sell-out event welcomed more than 160 people and had a disco, raffle and live bands.

Lorraine Walklin, Matthew’s mother, said: “He’s done this – this was his idea.

“The aim of this charity is to help patients while they are going through chemo. Matt felt that doctors take care of everything from the neck down, but you the patient have to look after your mind and thoughts, which is probably the hardest thing.”

The charity aims to provide anything that could help patients, from DVD players and e-readers to alternative therapies and laptops with video messaging.

Chemotherapy can be a long process that can take patients far away from their family and friends.

After being diagnosed in May 2010, Matthew underwent eight cycles of chemotherapy at Velindre hospital and a further two cycles of high dose chemotherapy in London where he had to be kept in high isolation.

Ms Walklins, who is also chairwoman of the charity, said: “During all of this, Matt was an inspiration to us all and showed admirable strength and a strong sense of courage that was unmatched.”

For more information call 01495 225 699 or search Matthew Walklin’s Make a Smile Foundation on Facebook.