A RECENT charity event held in aid of a young man from Bude, Talan Penny, has raised £4,610.

Talan found out at the age of 18 that he had a rare form of cancer, that only 60 people in the United Kingdom were diagnosed with last year.

Hannah Adamson, a close friend of Talan’s, along with others, created a Facebook page called ‘Talan’s Journey’, which has allowed friends and supporters to follow Talan through his sometimes scary, but ever-progressing journey with the disease.

Hannah and Talan’s friends, since creating the Facebook page, were determined to arrange an event to raise funds for the ‘Talan’s Journey’ cause.

The charity event was held at BED nightclub in Bude on Friday, March 25, and was open to all ages, with under 18s welcome until 12am, where normal clubbing hours would then commence.

The tickets were £5 and were available to buy from Budehaven Community College, Alchemist Jewellery Bude, and Four Seasons Florists Bude.

This event alone raised an astonishing £4,610.

Hannah described Talan as a sporty, enthusiastic and active individual — a popular member of the Bude community.

Last summer, he completed his lifeguard qualification with Bude Surf Club, and also became a qualified Paddle Sport Coach. He was looking forward to completing his BTEC sport course at Budehaven sixth form, but this has now been put on hold due to his illness.

The event raised funds to alleviate financial pressures on the Penny family, and Sarah Penny, Talan’s mother, wrote to Hannah.

She said: “It was so overwhelming for Tegan, Talan and I to realise the support we have in our community. Cancer humbles you and makes you realise there is always someone worse off than you.”

Two other events are now due to take place, with a quiz at Wooda bar and grill, and two of Talan’s friends will be participating in the Plymouth half marathon later this year.