Spotlight – #TommyvCancer

Today’s blog post is about something very special.

We all know someone who has been affected or taken away from us by cancer.

This blog post is about one authors fight against cancer and how we are trying to help.

Join Tommy’s Army!

#TommyvCancer

First a little introduction from a recent press release….

DOCTOR WHO AND BEANO WRITER REVEALS CANCER BATTLE

Award-winning author and Beano writer, Tommy Donbavand, has vowed to fight back after receiving a devastating throat cancer diagnosis.

The 48-year-old father of two has just launched a searingly honest blog that will chart his battle with the illness and has already received support from thousands of people around the world, including international best-selling novelist and screenwriter, Neil Gaiman.

Tommy, who currently writes The Bash Street Kids for the Beano comic and is the creator of CBBC animated series Scream Street, is sharing details of his diagnosis and upcoming treatment, while laying bare his fears and worries about what the future holds.

He is about to start a programme of radiotherapy that may leave him unable to talk or eat and suffering extreme pain for months.

“A few people suggested I start a blog so friends and relatives could keep up with how I’m progressing,” explained Tommy, who thought the blog might also answer questions his sons, Arran (16) and Sam (9), might be worried about asking directly.

Little did he expect, though, that soon thousands of internet users from all over the world would be following his updates, posting comments, and sending him emails of support.

“The response has been incredible,” said Tommy’s friend, Barry Hutchison, who helped set up the site. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, and Tommy has been able to put into words what many sufferers may not be able to express themselves.”

After Tommy, who grew up in Liverpool but now lives in Lancashire, wrote about how the illness and aggressive treatment plan have left his family facing financial difficulties, the site’s visitors were quick to rally to his aid. So far more than 60 people – many complete strangers – have become ‘patrons’ of Tommy via Patreon.com, sponsoring him on a monthly basis in return for exclusive written content.

Other top authors are also getting behind Tommy, who has written several official Doctor Who comics and novels, with many offering to donate fees from their speaking events to help ease his money troubles during his months of gruelling treatment and recovery.

“I thought the blog might be therapeutic for me, and something I could hopefully look back at a year or two down the line to remind me of what I’ve come through,” said Tommy. “So

for it to have resonated with so many people, who’ve taken the time to contact me and send me well-wishes is incredibly touching.”

You can follow all the ups and downs of Tommy’s battle with cancer at www.tommyvcancer.com

Tommy is the author of almost 100 books, including the best-selling Scream Street series, Fangs: Vampire Spy and several novels for dyslexic and struggling teenage readers.

Scream Street was recently adapted into a hit CBBC stop-motion animation series.

Tommy has appeared at top literary festivals and has performed events for tens of thousands of children in schools across the country over the years.

His first book, the non-fiction title, Quick Fixes For Bored Kids, was published in 2001.

He is currently working on several new books, despite undergoing treatment.

Before becoming an author Tommy performed in the West End production of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story for several years, becoming the show’s longest-serving cast member.

Both his parents were victims of cancer, so Tommy has personal experience of the daunting challenges he faces.

www.tommyvcancer.com‬

Blog Tour

We are organising a blog tour to help raise awareness of Tommy’s fight against cancer.

The #TommyVCancer blog tour will start on the 1st  June 2016 and run till the end of the month.

We hope to help raise money for Tommy to support him during this difficult time.

We are looking for as many authors and book bloggers as possible to take part in the #TommyvCancer Blog Tour.

Every one involved will review a book written by Tommy, as well as including information on how they can help support Tommy.

You can find more information on how we can support Tommy below.