Sam's book raises funds after cancer battle

Nine-year-old cancer survivor, Sam Viney, has written two books to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Sam, from Peterston-Super-Ely, near Cardiff, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just 18 months old.

Capturing creative ideas on paper

The idea of writing the first book, The Lost Egg, was developed with his tutor, Mavis Ingram, who is also a cancer survivor.

Sam Viney with his tutor Mavis Ingram and his mum Janet Viney as he presents the money he has raised from the book he wrote to Cancer Research UK senior nurse Barbara Moore

"Because I had cancer, I want to help other people with cancer", says Sam.

"My tutor encouraged me to write the first book to help me with things like describing words.

"I was selling it for 50p but some people have given more. Two of my parents' friends gave me more money as long as their pets were featured in the next book – and they are!"

Sam handed over the £200 he raised with his first book to Cancer Research UK Senior Nurse, Barbara Moore at Cardiff’s Velindre Hospital, where he had some of his treatment.

"He is very proud of the book and is very enthusiastic. It all started when he saw an egg at the museum, and it is a detective story. The second book, The Dinosaur's Egg, is more of a comedy – his sense of humour comes out" says Mavis.

Both Sam and Mavis have been invited to take part in Relay For Life in Cardiff 30 – 31 August. Relay for Life is a special event that celebrates those who survive cancer and pays tribute to those who are touched by it.

Where to buy the books

You can find copies of both books in the Cancer Research UK shop in Merthyr Road, Whitchurch.

Do your own fundraising

There are lots of ways you can raise money for Cancer Research UK. If you have a fundraising idea, take a look at our fundraising advice for suggestions and support to make your efforts successful.

Carrying out world-class research

Cancer Research UK funds more than £3m of research in Wales as part of its work to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.

Cancer Research UK is the major funder of the clinical trials work of the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). This group co-ordinates the care of virtually all the UK's children with cancer, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment. The CCLG runs trials at 21 paediatric centres across the British Isles, including at the Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.