💙 Sammy’s Story:

My name is Chris Balmforth MC (aka Barney). I proudly served my country and received the Military Cross from Her Majesty The Queen. Now, my family faces a different battle. My 9-year-old son, Slammin’ Sam B, is fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) with the heart of a champion. Sam lives and breathes rugby, with a natural talent that rivals stars like Marcus Smith, Fin Russell, and Tom Curry. This is his origin story - one that will lead him to play professionally for England. I am certain of it.

🏉 The Mission:

We are raising funds for four incredible charities that have supported us on this journey:

- Birmingham Children’s Hospital – Providing life-saving care to children like Sam.

- Young Lives vs Cancer – Supporting families through every step of treatment.

- Ronald McDonald House Charities UK – Keeping families together during the toughest times.

- Royal Stoke University Hospital Charity – Delivering vital treatment and care.

🎉 The Charity Match:

We are uniting the rugby community with a special charity match between Sam’s old (Vesyans) and new (Congleton) clubs. It will be Vets and the Under-10s, with me playing for the Vets and Sam’s brother Harry representing the under-10s. Together, we are turning passion into purpose.

📢 Rallying the Rugby Family:

We are calling on rugby clubs and players across the nation to send video messages of support to Sam and other children battling ALL. These messages inspire hope and show the world that the rugby family stands together.

🌟 How You Can Help:

- Donate: Every penny goes to these life-changing charities.

- Share: Spread the word on social media.

- Inspire: Join our campaign and show your support with a video message.

This is about more than fundraising. It’s about raising awareness and uniting the rugby community in a fight that transcends the pitch.

Thank you for being part of Slammin' Sam B: The Fight Against Cancer. Together, we can make a difference.

With gratitude,

Chris Balmforth MC (Barney)

Slammin' Sam B: The Fight Against Cancer