THE parents of an inspirational teenager who lost his four-year battle with cancer are spearheading a fundraising campaign in his memory to help other disabled and terminally ill youngsters.

Sam Allen, 18, died in June after doctors said they couldn’t do any more for him after four years of treatment.

Sam, of Hemyock, who studied childcare at Somerset College, Taunton, was first diagnosed with bone cancer at 14 and had his left leg amputated above the knee after chemotherapy treatment failed.

But the cancer returned three times – he had a lung tumour removed in March 2012 and underwent further surgery last October and this January before doctors gave his family the sad news.

That’s when Newlife Foundation provided Sam with a mobility scooter so he could get around and spend time with his friends during his final months.

His mum, Nicky, said: “Sam was the type of person who just loved being around people.

“He was so friendly and sociable and was at his happiest when he was surrounded by friends and family.”

Mrs Allen said the scooter gave Sam greater independence and allowed him to help out with tasks like posting letters.

She added: “He was able to drive over to see his friends and move about the shops – he loved buying DVDs of films and television shows.”

The scooter also let him enjoy walks with his dad Nick and siblings Josh, Lauryn and Kasey.

“He absolutely loved being outside, so it was great when we could all go for walks together as a family,” added Mrs Allen.

“It was also great that I could walk beside Sam and talk to him rather than having to push him in his wheelchair where he couldn’t see me.”

Sam was in the Scouts, volunteered with children and teenagers through Hemyock Baptist Church and raised funds for hospices.

Mrs Allen said: “He really was a true inspiration.

“All the way through his illness he was extremely positive, even more so when he knew there was no more that could be done.”

Shortly after his death, Sam received a commendation from Somerset College for his bravery in attending classes before heading off for chemotherapy.

Sam’s Legacy will help other children get specialist equipment they need so they can leave hospital, prolong their lives, keep them mobile, safe and comfortable and support them in spending quality time with their friends and families.

For further details, click on the Newlife Charity - Sam's story link on this story.