Sammy Balmforth from Biddulph — affectionately known by his rugby pals as ‘Slammin’ Sam B’ after his sporting hero — has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia since his heartbreaking diagnosis in January this year. Sammy was undergoing a routine blood test at his local hospital for an existing condition called Immune Thrombocytopenia when his doctors spotted markers for Leukaemia and broke the news.
Sammy joined his team mates as they walked onto the pitch for their match, cheered on by the Vets teams
Sammy’s parents, Chris and Nicola, were devastated by their little boy’s shock diagnosis but between an ambulance transfer to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and its specialist paediatric oncology team implementing an immediate treatment plan, they had little time to digest it.
Sammy in hospital – painting an encounter with rugby star George Ford
Within hours of his diagnosis Sammy was admitted to the oncology ward and had undergone a procedure to fit a central line which shortly after, began delivering his first round of chemotherapy treatment. Sammy stayed at the hospital for 10 days, during which he also endured his first lumbar puncture, an injection of vital medicine into his spinal fluid. Chris stayed with Sammy on the ward, while his mum, Nicola, stayed in charitably funded accommodation just down the road.
Before his diagnosis Sammy played regularly for Congleton Under-10s
Sammy continues to fight his battle with frequent visits to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and his local hospital. Though he’s now able to spend more time at home, he’s not well enough to play his beloved rugby. To give back to the charities that have supported them through such a turbulent time in their lives, Sammy’s family decided to combine his love of the sport with their gratitude by hosting a charity rugby match in his name.
After rallying the rugby community to take part, spectate and support the cause, the match took place at Burntwood Rugby Union Football Club, between Sammy’s old and current clubs – The Veseyans and Congleton Club. Veterans of each club played the first match, with their under-10s teams then carrying their scores as they went head-to-head to determine which club would win the coveted ‘Slammin’ Sam B Trophy’
Sammy watched and cheered from the sidelines as his dad scored tries for the Congleton Vets team contributing to the club’s victory against the Veseyans, before crossing the pitch to join his rugby family for a group photo.
As well as the match, Sammy’s family and rugby pals organised an auction, cake stalls and even a sponge toss to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and their other chosen causes. They even managed to secure special video messages of support for Sammy from some of his favourite famous players.
Sammy’s dad, Chris, said: “Sammy’s diagnosis turned our family’s world upside down and although he’s being so brave and positive about his treatment, not being able to be active and play rugby has been really difficult for him. As well as saying thank you for the incredible care and support we continue to receive at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, our fundraising match was about doing something Sammy loves.
“We’re so grateful to our family, friends and the wider rugby community who come together as one big, united front to make the match such a success and help make a difference for other kids and families in the same position as us.”
Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We can’t thank Sammy and his family enough for rallying their community to support our hospital and charity through such an unthinkable and difficult time in their lives.
“As well as raising awareness of childhood cancer and our hospital and charity, the funds raised through the Slammin’ Sam B rugby match will go on to help us do more for the 100,000 sick kids our hospital treats every single year.”
If you’ve been inspired and would like to fundraise for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, or donate, please visit bch.org.uk or call 0121 333 8506.