We have full council approval for 'Shining Sam's Seat' but need to raise the funds to pay for it.

I'm Sam's Mummy and have been asked to write a few words about Sam and what he went through.

Sam was always a very gentle, kind hearted, fun loving, cheeky chappie. He suddenly became very unwell and was diagnosed with cancer - high risk neuroblastoma stage 4 August 7th 2015 at only 16 months old. We were all totally devastated and still are.

He underwent numerous rounds of chemo, blood and platelet transfusions, scans, treatment for numerous infections, along with a number of operations. He had a 10 1/2 hour operation where they removed approximately 75% of his tumour, an operation to remove one of his brain tumours, and 2 sets of radiotherapy. The list of treatment could go on.... Sam and I spent alot of time in hospital and he became a firm favourite with the staff at Southampton and Winchester, loving spending time in the playrooms and corridors keeping everyone entertained.

At the beginning of this year things were looking more positive for Sam, his scans showed that his tumours were improving - a couple had even gone and we began to hope maybe for another year or even 2. He then suffered chicken pox towards the end of January causing his chemo to be delayed and his central line split causing even further delays. During February he wasn't quite his usual happy self and spent more time as an inpatient at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. The last week of February his infection markers were up with no other signs of illness so we were kept in for observations and tests then he suddenly went downhill on 1st March and on the 3rd March we were told his latest scans had shown that the tumours had grown, more had started and the cancer was back in his bone marrow again. They gave him weeks to live. We were - and still are in total shock.

He was never really himself again. Although medical staff worked really hard to get the pain relief sorted he was never totally pain free from that time on. It was heartbreaking to see and be unable to do anything. He had such a loving, caring nature. Even during horrendous pain attacks, if I started to cry he would say 'ok Mummy. Are you OK?' Also once in Naomi House when he was still awake but in great pain, my husband said to him 'Look after Mummy while I get the nurse for you' and Sam bravely said 'Ylep' in his little way. And he did look after me - always.

We were rushed into Naomi House on 1st April 2017 when his bowel obstructed and he was unable to be given any food/liquid/medication into his tummy. He was in great pain and we were all worried we might lose him that night. However, in usual 'Sam style' he fought so hard and made it to his 3rd birthday on 9th April although permanently asleep. My gorgeous boy passed away on 19th April 2017.

Although there were times that Sam was extremely poorly, he was such a happy, loving little boy who had a passion for Tractors , Trains, Football and NeeNahs. These kept him going along with spending time with family and friends.

One of Sam's great pleasures in life was Tractor and NeeNah spotting. He loved spending time at the end of our road looking out for them, getting very excited every time he saw one (or lots!!). Also, jumping in puddles.... He was a very sociable little boy and would chatter to everyone who passed him and some would come out specifically to say Hello to him. He was well known and well loved by so many people that we would otherwise probably not have got talking to. When there were traffic lights at the end of our road for a few days we actually had to go back inside because he was waving at the drivers so excitedly and they were waving back! We were worried it might cause an accident.

Since his death so many friends and residents have said they miss seeing him/us there and that they will always remember his gorgeous blue eyes and big bright smile.

It would mean so much to all of us to be able to sit on 'Sam's bench'. We would be forever grateful if this were possible. It would also make a handy resting spot for people who've walked back uphill from Bishops Waltham.

I don't dare to hope but should there be any excess funds we will donate them to the Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton. This is Dr Juliet Gray's research into immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.