A FLINTSHIRE-based charity has been awarded a grant, after it was named the Leader Charity of the Year.

Giddo's Gift was set up by Wrexham Maelor nurse Mandy Giddins, from Flint, in memory of her son Jordan. The 18-year-old died on April 27, 2017, having lost his battle with Ewings Sarcoma.

At 11-years-old, Jordan was also diagnosed with HLH, a rare blood disease. He went through harsh chemotherapy, high dose steroids and eventually a bone marrow transplant from his sister.

Read more: Marching in memory of Foxy for vital hospice funds

Through Giddo's Gift, Mandy aims to help other young people - and their families - who are going through similar battles.

They look to provide grants and gifts for teenagers and young adults, 13-24 years, suffering from cancer within Wales and North West England.

The charity recently won £1,000 grant from the Leader, courtesy of Gannett Foundation UK.

Read more: Reds fans take on stadium to stadium trek for Wrexham charity

Mandy, who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for 'voluntary and charitable services to Young People with Cancer' in the New Year's Honours list, said: "It's been a roller coaster since December. We got funding to have someone work for us two days a week, we've moved into a new office, I got the BEM and now this. Lots of positive things for the start of the year.

"This latest grant really helps, especially for a small charity like ours. And it's not just the money, the support we get off people is fantastic, we've gone from strength to strength.

Read more: Flintshire music festival is back for first time since pandemic

"We couldn't do it without such local support and it helps raise awareness for people who may need us."

Giddo's Gift have a caravan for families to get a break away, based in Porthmadog. The recent donation will go towards its upkeep and maintenance, so it can continue to help more families in a time of need.

The caravan is already full this year and the feedback proves how priceless the precious time away to make memories really is.

As the anniversary of losing Jordan approaches, Mandy added: "It never gets any easier, it seems like yesterday but in other ways it's been such a long time since we saw him or heard his voice.

"It's difficult to know what to do on a day like this, it was the worst day of our lives but we always try to remember him and how he was. He'd just be so proud of what we have achieved."