A RAFFLE draw aiming to raise money in the memory of a young man who died of cancer is due to take place next week.

The event is being organised by the Smiley Smiley Josh Riley Foundation, which was launched in November 2020 and aims to provide lodge holidays to young adults who are going through cancer treatment and their families.

The foundation was inspired by its 27-year-old namesake, who lived in Darwen and was known to nurses as 'Smiley Smiley Josh Riley' during his five year cancer treatment before passing away in 2015.

Mother Karen Riley said: "He was the most amazing young man you could ever wish to meet."

She added: "When Josh was first diagnosed everyone was numb it was like a wrecking ball had just come and piled its way into what was a great life we all had, plans and dreams for the future all gone in a second!

"Josh was the bravest of us all he insisted no tears, no pity just make the most of the life we had at that time which is what we did."

Josh Riley lived with his fiancee Laura Aspin and was an avid Blackburn Rovers fan, having played for the club's academy, AFC Darwen and Ossy Villa as well as being a member of Pleasington Golf Club.

Even after his diagnosis, the former St Bede’s RC High School student was an inspiration to his family and friends thanks to the bravery and positivity with which he faced up to his illness, which earned him his nickname amongst the nurses who cared for him.

This is the legacy that the Smiley Smiley Josh Riley Foundation, launched by the Riley family and their friends, aims to preserve.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The draw will be taking place next week 

Mrs Riley said: "During his treatment he often mentioned how lucky he felt to have family and friends who made sure he had everything he needed especially holidays which he had so many of.

"These holidays were very special to Josh and his family and friends as it gave them all a chance to just enjoy themselves and create so many wonderful and happy memories, which we now all know are so important to have to look back on.

"We made sure every birthday party every celebration and every holiday was extra special, we created so many wonderful memories and this is what we want the foundation to offer young adults and their families in the same position."

She added; "The aim of our Foundation is to raise £135,000 to provide, maintain and run a luxury log cabin in an idyllic location in the Lake District were young adults and their families can go, spend precious time together and just try to have a little normality when it’s needed most."

Tickets are currently available for the raffle which will help to raise this sum, with prizes including a Toshiba Smart TV worth £579, a two night luxury getaway break and £250 in cash.

The draw will take place on Monday May 31 at 6pm.

To enter and to find out more, go to: https://go.rallyup.com/smileysmiley/Campaign.