Two determined teens celebrated huge success after raising thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.

Samson Marshall, 15, and Tallulah Chalstrey, 16, worked together to host a ‘Stand up to Cancer’ charity event at Dorchester Rugby Club to raise money for Cancer Research UK - a cause which is very important to both of them.

Samson said: “My dad was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. He has had it removed but it will come back, we’re prepared for that.

“Brain tumours are not the most researched type of cancer, so we wanted to raise awareness. It could help anyone, kids as well.”

Tallulah said: “Cancer Research is close to both our hearts.

“I had a friend who was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour at the age of seven, and died at the age of eight. I was affected as a kid.”

Ahead of the event, Tallulah and Samson wrote to several supermarkets in the area who donated food for the buffet at the event, and local companies also donated prizes for a raffle.

Alongside an array of activities on the day, Samson went under the razor and ‘braved the shave’. SGM Hair, based on South Street in Dorchester, carried out the head shave free of charge.

The pair explained that they saw the rugby club as the perfect location as they both play the sport.

Tallulah added: “It was so nice that everyone was so supportive.”

Together, Samson and Tallulah raised an incredible £3,722, which they handed to Cancer Research UK representative Becky Trout last week.

Becky said: “It’s amazing to have the local support here in Dorchester.

“Cancer Research UK is working towards three out of four people surviving cancer within 10 years or more. It’s with events like these that we are going to reach our target.”

According to information from Cancer Research UK, there are around 5,400 cases of cancer per year in Dorset.

The determined duo said they are not done with fundraising, and plan to organise more events in the future.

Samson said: “We’re not finished yet, we’ve got lots more to come.

"We are hoping to organise something which involves rowing down the Thames."