Teachers brave the shave for Sam's cancer battle

Cheers as nine-year-old fighting leukaemia wields clippers in his school's assembly - and raises nearly £2k for charity helping to save young lives

- Sentinel Reporter

A YOUNGSTER undergoing the fight of his life after being struck down by cancer returned to school to shave the heads of two of his teachers.

The teachers at James Bateman Middle School in Knypersley staged a special assembly as they 'braved the shave.

And they invited nine-year-old Sam Balmforth along to remove their hair and help raise almost £2,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer.

The Sentinel reported in February how sporty Sam has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

In June last year, 'massive lumps' had appeared under his skin, and bruises would form just 'from holding his hand' - and he suffered with a 'massive' nosebleed which forced him to hospital.

Sam was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition - immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) - affecting his blood but after being treated with a heavy dose of steroids, first in June and then October, he appeared to be back to his old self.