A BRAVE teenager, who lost her mother to breast cancer just three months ago, is fronting a new group which will help other young people whose lives are affected by terminal illnesses.

Sophie-May Gander, 19, from Westcliff, lost her mum, Pauline, 52, in May after a seven-year battle with breast cancer.

Pauline died in Fair Havens Hospice, Westcliff, where she had been receiving care.

Sophie-May has now been chosen as the face of a new Havens Hospices campaign, to get 16 to 21-year-olds involved with helping young people who have a terminal illness or a with a relative with one.

We Are Young is aiming to recruit teens and young adults to a “collective” which would support hospice fundraising events, come up with fundraising ideas, volunteering to work in the charity’s shops and marshall at its events.

Sophie-May said: “This is definitely something people my age should get on board with.

“We might have a lot going on in our lives, but there is always a little time for others. Anyone getting involved will get to meet a like-minded group of people, put their social media powers to the test and ask their friends to come up with ways to help people like me who, at 19, had to cope with the death of my gorgeous mum.

“The amount of dignity and respect the hospice gave Mum will always stay with me.

“She died in the most comfortable way possible, in the most peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the kindest people.”

Havens Hospices is launching the new group at a Collective Day on Saturday, September 14. Anyone aged between 16 and 21 is invited along to find out more about getting involved.

Sophie-May said: “This is my chance to give something back to a cause that really matters.

“I’m asking people to stand up and do the same for this local charity, because you never know when you, or a friend, may need it.”

The event will be at Southend YMCA’s Eco-Hub, 2a St John’s Road, Westcliff, from 1pm until 5pm.

Anyone interested in going along is being asked to register online at havenshospices.org.uk /weareyoung or to e-mail htaylor @havenshopsices.org.uk before September 6.