The legacy of a young teacher from Margate who lost his battle with cancer three years ago will continue this weekend.

A fundraising gala evening will be held at the Winter Gardens today followed by a dog walk on tomorrow, in memory of Luke Williams.

The 29-year-old IT teacher inspired family, friends and strangers with his positive attitude to tackling his illness after having mouth cancer diagnosed on his 28th birthday on June 18, 2013.

He underwent major surgery and intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but secondary cancer was identified in his lungs in May 2014 which doctors told him was terminal.

The 29-year-old launched his own bucket list, vowing to make the most of his last days.

Luke stayed true to this promise and worked through his list of things to do before he died.

One of them was to marry his fiancee Linda, which he did at Smiths Court Hotel, Cliftonville in August 2014, two months before he died.

During his battle, the Luke Williams Charitable trust was formed.

It was initially to fund some of the things on Luke’s bucket list but as money came in Luke wanted it to go to charity, benefiting Pilgrims Hospice and Cancer Research to begin with.

Luke’s friends have continued the trust since Luke’s passing to raise money for local charities.

Today, the Winter Gardens will host the charity gala from 7pm until 1am featuring music acts Honey G and Lydia Lucy and more.

Tickets are £15 each.

Tomorrow is one for four-legged friends as a dog walk starts at noon from the Winter Gardens.

Money raised will go to Pilgrims Hospice and YouCan.

It will leave from the promenade side, then walk along the promenade to Luke’s bench where the annual group photo will be taken.

On return to the Winter Gardens, there will be entertainment, food and drink.

The website says: “Dogs are not a requirement, if you had a good night at the gala you will probably be looking ruff enough to pass.”

Liam Morris, of Luke's Legacy, said: "First and foremost the initial concept of Luke’s Legacy and the events we hold is to keep the memory of Luke alive and kicking.

"Not that people would ever forget such a character like Luke!

"The fact that we can then support great charities and causes by raising money and awareness is a huge bonus!

"The Williams Weekender has become our flagship event if you like and the format has remained the same now for the past three years.

"The Night of Entertainment has grown over the years with the acts becoming bigger and bigger!

"This year we see HONEY G of X-Factor join the Luke’s Legacy team.

"Che Chesterman, also of X-Factor has agreed to perform aswell as Lydia Lucy (The Voice) returning.

"Also returning is Mic Righteous who is not only a big UK Rap/Grime Star but a local lad through and through.

"Alola Rose a talent Acoustic Duo from Thanet will also perform aswell as the fantastic Wisewoods Dance Academy.

"Stuart Holdham, who ‘warms up’ the live audiences at shows such as X-Factor and Big Brother will host the evening for us.

"The dog walk on Sunday is a more relaxed affair - we will stroll across the Margate Coastline from our Weekender Base, the Winter Gardens, to Luke’s Memorial Bench which overlooks Westbrook Beach.

"This year we hope to raise money to support two charities, Pilgrims Hospice who remain our leading Charity and YouCan, an organisation that supports younger cancer patients in so many wonderful ways - we hope to fund the fantastic Wellbeing breaks they put together for those brave people.

"I would also like to add that we could not do this without the sponsorship and support of Trade Fit 4 U and Richards Trade Tyres, our Weekender Sponsors for this year.

"Finally a massive thank you to everyone who attends our events, without you we obviously cannot support our chosen charities."

More details available on williams-weekender.co.uk or email on info@lukes-legacy.co.uk