A HEARTBROKEN dad is turning to comedy to raise money for a children's cancer charity in tribute to his son.

Matthew Smith – together with best friend Chris Woodhead, who runs Chuldow Martial Arts Academy in Keighley – are taking part in two special comedy nights to coin-in cash for Children with Cancer.

And the duo is tackling the London Marathon in April.

The pair together aim to raise £10,000.

Matthew's son Joshua was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma – a rare form of cancer – in 2016, aged just 17.

He underwent intensive treatment, but after a short period of remission suffered a relapse. He died in September last year.

"We had very little knowledge of Ewing’s Sarcoma when Joshua was first diagnosed and the experience and outcome was heartbreaking – as any parent can imagine," said Matthew.

"However the treatment, care and counselling Joshua and the family received was incredible. It supported us through a very difficult time and we wanted to give something back to the people who helped us."

The first of the StandUp4Josh comedy nights takes place at Bingley Little Theatre on Saturday, February 9, at 7pm.

Matthew and Chris will share a set with other comics.

The second will be held on April 26.

Chris said: "I always think I’m a funny guy – especially after a drink – but my fiancee disagrees, so doing a stand-up slot is a great way of seeing which one of us is right!

"I just hope it’s not the fiancee!"

The friends are also in training for the London Marathon, on April 28.

"It's the first time either of us has taken on a marathon but we intend to push ourselves both emotionally and physically until we have raised the £10,000 target we've set ourselves," said Matthew.

"Joshua was an incredible son and with the help of my best friend, I intend to do everything I can to help prevent others going through the horrific experience we endured.

"It was hoped after his relapse that Joshua would survive to see us cross the finish line of the marathon and be proud of our achievement. But we are determined to carry on in his memory and cross that line to raise money to help other families and support research.

"Chris has been a fantastic friend and embraced many of the fundraising ideas I have come up with."

More details about the comedy nights, and tickets, can be obtained at run4josh.com – where people can also support the fundraising campaign – or from Bingley Little Theatre.

Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body, such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessels and fat.

Ewing’s Sarcoma affects just 25 people a year in the UK.

Children with Cancer works with patients, parents, carers, supporters, health professionals and researchers to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis and improve the patient experience.

For further information, visit childrenwithcancer.co.uk.