Hello everyone,
Today is my turn on the on the “Tommy V Cancer” tour and before we can to my review of one of his titles, let me introduce you to Tommy a bit.
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
This must be the shortest book I have ever read, but quality always win over quantity.
“Raven” is Polly’s brand new self, new name and new pink hair, now talk about a fashion statement. But fashion has nothing to do with it. Raven is just your typical teen, except that her twin brother has gone AWOL so desperate times call for desperate measures…even witchcraft.
One thing is for sure, the use of witchcraft will require a sacrifice to keep the balance. So let’s see what Raven is ready to part with to get what she wants.
It all sounds a little grim doesn’t it?! But when you think about it, what is Raven likely to get in exchange for a “frozen chicken” sacrifice? :).
“Raven” is a witty tale, a “be careful what you wish for” story filled with humour and a good mix of realistic life events with a few unexpected little surprises along the way and after finishing this short book, I cannot help but wondering how Raven is faring with her new life.
Hoping to read her more in the future.
LaChouett
Thanking @Danny_D_Pearson for providing me with a copy of Tommy’s title.