A CANCER trust set up on the back of a record-breaking fundraising event has secured charitable status.

Two years ago Mark Solan, of Spennymoor, County Durham, took part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing match in aid of Cancer Research UK and raised an event-record £22,000 for the national charity.

He was overwhelmed by the support he received and launched The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust in order to raise more money to help people closer to home.

The Trust opened a shop and drop-in centre in Spennymoor and has spent tens of thousands of pounds- raised through donations and events including a boxing match between Mr Solan and former Sunderland and Middlesbrough footballer Julia Arca- helping families affected by cancer.

Last week The Charity Commission approved the Trust’s status as a charitable incorporated organisation that can offer funds, equipment and services beyond those already provided by the statutory authorities.

Mr Solan said: “It felt amazing, one of the best moments of my life when we finally got the charity number.

“I know the potential of it, there are so many ideas to develop, businesses and organisations that get on board now, events to hold and people to help.”

Charity status will enable the trust to employ staff and Mr Solan intends to pay people affected by cancer to work in the shop.

Mr Solan recently gave up his own job as manager of the Hugo Boss store in Newcastle to dedicate more time to the Trust and put some inheritance into the coffers.

He may eventually take a wage from the charity once it is self-sustainable.

Mr Solan said: “I didn’t know how it would go but wanted to build on the momentum of the boxing when I had the chance, rather than petering out it got stronger.

“We’ve raised over £70,000 and helped more than 250 different families which is incredible, I don’t want to turn anyone local wanting our support away and if we cannot do it we’ll find someone who can help.

“Charity status means we can do even more and people can have confidence it is being ran responsibly.

“The more I focus, the more I can drive it and the more we can do to make life a bit better for people facing this horrible illness.

“I know some charities want everything for free, I want this to pay for itself with different cash streams that are now open to us.”

Mr Solan has been joined by Allan Wheatley, director of North East Rescue and Medical Services (NERAMS), and Debra Swinburn, a partner at Evans & Co solicitors, as trustees.

He already has a host of potential supporters and events ready to get on board and a website and online donation facility will soon be launched.

Wetherspoon’s The Grand Electric Hall, in Spennymoor, will hold a second family fun day for the charity in September and Workwear Express, in Durham, which provides Team Solan clothing will encourage it 170 staff to support it.

Arc Health, Team Cycles, Ramside Estates and Marks & Spencer in Darlington are among the newest backers, there will be a charity match at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light with teams competing for a charity cup donated by Spennymoor Sports and medium Debra Chalmers will give a charity night at Spennymoor Town Hall.