A YOUNG cancer survivor has helped to raise nearly £100,000 for fellow-sufferers – and it has not gone unnoticed.

The former Ivybridge Community College student has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch this summer.

Jordan Anderton, was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer in his knee when he was just 14, undergoing operations in Birmingham and Plymouth.

While undergoing treatment he realised there was a lack of support for teenagers in similar situations. Now 18, Jordan has since aimed to raise the profile of the Teenage Cancer Trust – a charity focusing on the needs of teenagers and young adults suffering from the diseases.

Jordan has raised £86,000 in just two years through Cancer Research Relay for Life events, and family friend Louise Parker nominated him for the Olympic Torch Relay.

Jordan's application has since been accepted and he will be one of just 8,000 people to carry the London 2012 Torch.

Jordan said: 'After I went through the cancer, I had my legs waxed and that raised about £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Then I helped raise £86,000 in two years doing the Cancer Research Relay for Life.

'I never thought I'd get that much. We were aiming for £20,000 in the first year and it was more like £40,000, which was amazing. Then – in the second year – it was £46,000.'

Jordan was both surprised and delighted when he heard that he had been chosen to carry the torch.

He said: 'It was a massive shock to get nominated, I never thought I would get chosen.

'I was 14 when I was diagnosed and I had three operations in Birmingham and two in Plymouth.

'I didn't see anyone my age when I was going through it so I felt alone and I lost my confidence.

'But then I went along to a session called "Find Your Sense of Tumour" and there were 400 people there who had been through cancer and that really helped boost my confidence.

'I then wanted to help out and give something back.'

Jordan, who is studying hospitality and events management at Cardiff Metropolitan University and also plays rugby for Ivybridge RFC, will carry the torch through Plymouth on day two of the relay on Sunday May 20.

He added: 'I really can't wait for the torch run, it is going to be a great experience and I am very, very lucky to have it.'