RIDING his bike and playing pool Sam Shaw looks like any other carefree nine-year-old.

But for his proud parents seeing him lead an active life seems nothing short of miraculous.

Five years ago the Hoddlesden lad could barely stand, let alone walk, as he fought for his life, and cancer treatment made him weak.

But since getting the all-clear from neuroblastoma in 2014 the youngster has – in the words of his beaming mum Christine Shaw – been living life to the max.

“As a family we have been fortunate enough to make many happy memories in 2018," said Christine.

“Duringrout summer holidays at a campsite in France, Sam got involved with all kinds of activities including bike rides and canoeing. He never sits still - he lives life to the max.

“He also had a go at a climbing tower activity and we watched in amazement as he scaled the tower without any bother. Five years ago he couldn’t stand let alone walk as he was fighting for his life and the treatment had made him so weak.”

Sam captured the hearts of Telegraph readers after he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of three.

Desperate to get Sam to the United States for live-saving treatment, family and friends launched the Sam Shaw Appeal, successfully raising £250,000 for pioneering immunotherapy treatment.

The family has spent time over the past year telling their story."

Mrs Shaw added: “A few months ago we were asked to go along to a fundraising event for another child with neuroblastoma to share Sam’s journey in the hope of providing some hope and inspiration for the family, fundraisers and supporters.

“I have also been contacted through Sam’s Facebook page by a number of parents of children with neuroblastoma.

“When you search Neuroblastoma on the internet there are very few ‘good news’ stories. Sometimes parents just want to hear that there is hope."