The co-founder and chief executive of an Essex-based cancer awareness charity has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional Pride of Britain award.

Toby Freeman, who heads up the Robin Cancer Trust (RCT), based in Colchester, is one of just four of the nominees to be considered for the East Anglia area.

Founded in 2012 the RCT was formed in memory of Mr Freeman’s brother and Wivenhoe resident Robin, who died of testicular cancer aged just 24 in 2011. The charity promotes awareness of germ cell cancers, the two most common forms of which are testicular and ovarian cancer, in a bid to get more people to get checked earlier.

Mr Freeman said: “I was absolutely stunned to even be nominated for a Pride of Britain award, let alone shortlisted for the East Anglia region.

“I am honoured that our supporters have chosen to nominate me, as I feel this is a nomination for everyone involved with The Robin Cancer Trust.

“It is a testament to all the hard work that all our followers, volunteers and the board of trustees put into raising awareness of germ cell cancers throughout the year at our fundraisers.”

A short video about the four regional nominees will be shown on ITV Anglia News next week each day from Monday to Thursday, with the winner announced by the judging panel live on air on Friday. Mr Freeman’s clip is scheduled to be broadcast on Tuesday.

The winner will go onto the national Pride of Britain Awards on October 16.