STUDENTS have been pulling an all-nighter for a good cause by holding 24-hour football and basketball matches in aid of teenagers with cancer.

About 35 students from Durham University’s Queen's Campus, in Stockton, took part in the event to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Newman Holiday Trust.

Trainee doctor James Leighton, who organised the event, said: “This is the second year we have run the event and it has already doubled in size. It brings together students and the local community to raise awareness and money for incredible charities.”

The match started at 7pm on Sunday, May 29 and finished at 7pm on Monday, May 30.

After raising £8,000 last year by holding a football match, Mr Leighton decided to hold a basketball match and set the target at £10,000.

Louise Miles, fundraising manager for Teenage Cancer Trust in the North-East, said: “Right now for every young person with cancer we support there is another who we can’t reach. Fundraising events like this are crucial in helping us reach our goal of supporting every young person from the moment they are diagnosed with cancer.”

The Teenage Cancer Trust builds specialist units within NHS hospitals to bring young people affected by cancer together.

Ms Miles added: “Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients at the end of their lives, young people can feel extremely isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer.

"Being treated alongside others their own age can make a huge difference to their whole experience.

“We want every young person with cancer to have access to this specialist support, no matter where they live.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/teams/DUQC24hour