A four-year-old cancer survivor from Caerphilly has attended an event honouring the strength of youngsters diagnosed with the disease.
Sam Strevens was a guest of honour at the UK Kids and Teens Star Awards party in London on Tuesday, July 10, which was organised by charity Cancer Research UK.
Sam joined 20 children and youngsters from across the county to celebrate their strength and courage and how far they have come since their diagnoses.
The group were entertained by a magician’s workshop, acrobatic skills training, as well as a talent show.
Sam was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a type of soft tissue cancer – when he was just five-months-old.
His mum Sarah first noticed something was wrong when Sam was two-months-old.
She said: “I was changing his nappy when I noticed a large swelling next to his testicle. I took him to the GP and Sam had lots of appointments and tests before having surgery.
“It was after the surgery that we were told he had a rare type of sarcoma. We were heartbroken and completely devastated. When you hear the word ‘cancer’ you can’t help but think the worst.
“They had to remove the tumour and the testicle next to it to ensure all the cancer cells were removed and then he had chemotherapy.
“We are so proud of Sam. We call him our ‘Super Sam’ as he has gone through so much with such bravery and courage.”
After the event Sam said: “I had a great time and felt really special. I really enjoyed the day and loved the party.”
The Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards are part of the wider Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens campaign, which raises vital funds for research across the UK to find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people with cancer.
Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens spokesperson for Wales, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be able to recognise the strength of youngsters like Sam who have been through so much at such a young age. He is a true star.”
In the UK, around 4,500 youngsters up to the age of 24 are diagnosed with cancer every year.