Since the death of his sister Elise at just 23 from melanoma, Alex Kirke has been determined to raise funds to research this deadly disease in the hope of preventing other families going through such heartache.

The 19 year old is inviting everyone to come along to a special rugby match and barbecue he has organised this Saturday, 25 June, at Old Silhillians Rugby Club in Solihull.

A keen rugby player, Alex will be competing in the match between Solihull School 1st XV and Solihull School Old Boys’ XV. Kick-off is at 14:00 and proceeds from ticket sales, an auction and raffle will be donated to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity, which funds research into skin cancer.

Alex, who grew up in Solihull but is studying mathematics at the University of Exeter, explained: “Losing Elise just 18 months ago to cancer was devastating for everyone who knew and loved her. I wanted to organise this event to thank Dr Neil Steven and the excellent staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital who cared for her and try and prevent this happening to anyone else.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and watch the match, enjoy some delicious barbecue food and drinks at the bar and help support a fantastic cause. Everything raised for the hospital’s official charity will be used to support research into immune treatments for melanoma.”

Among the numerous prizes up for grabs in the charity auction are a cricket bat signed by Alastair Cook, an England rugby team photo signed by Martin Johnson and a signed Manchester United shirt.

Alex added: “I’m encouraging everyone to bid ahead for one of these fantastic prizes. If you’d like to put in a bid or find out more about the prizes on offer then please email me at ak370@exeter.ac.uk.”

Tickets are just £3 for adults and £2 for under-16s in advance, or £4 on the day. If you would like a ticket, please contact Alex on 07794 034 186.

For more information about how you can support patients at QEHB, please visit the QEHB Charity website or call 0121 371 4852.