THE mum of a boy who was diagnosed with cancer at just six months old is hoping to raise £1million for Macmillan Cancer Support with sales of a new book she has written about her family’s struggle.

Ten years later, Elliot Burch, 11, has recovered, and his mum Caroline, from Ramsbottom, has published a novel taken from the diary she kept, detailing the ups and downs of her son’s treatment and the turmoil she suffered from his diagnosis to going into remission.

The book, The Diary of a Mother, Her Son, and His Monster, is being launched at book signings in the Valley, and is on sale for £8, which will be donated to the charity.

Caroline, an occupational therapist, said: “During my son’s cancer diagnosis, like all parents and carers, I really struggled to accept what was happening.

“I fought with myself, toiled, worried and became an utter wreck.

“It was then that I decided to try and externalise the situation and let it go, rather than holding all the emotions in and carrying the tension around with me.

“Initially, my writing was an endless ream of emotions and trauma, but with the passage of time, it gradually became more focused and began to take shape.

“By allowing the world to read my story, I hope I will be able to reach and help others who are going through, or have been through, a similar situation.

“I really want this book to help other people.

“When I was going through Elliot’s cancer treatment and care, no matter who was around me, I felt so alone and very isolated.

“Only a couple of people managed to penetrate the emotional brick wall I had built around me. One person who managed to help me and gave me so much support was our Macmillan nurse. She was a shining light in a very dull and depressing world.

“She was always there with her caring nature and kind heart, both at the hospital and at home.

“I therefore chose to help one of the charities which were invaluable to me.” Caroline will be holding book signings at Costa Coffee in Tesco Haslingden on Saturday, from 1pm to 4pm, and on Holcombe Hill on Saturday, September 26 during a coffee morning.

The Diary of a Mother, Her Son, and His Monster is available to buy from Amazon.co.uk, and is published by Empire Publications.