A WARM-HEARTED teaching assistant who underwent a double lung transplant is hoping to bring a bit of magic to brave children spending Christmas in hospital.

Sam Roberts, aged 21, who works at Ysgol Llywelyn in Rhyl, is taking part in a sponsored walk to raise money to buy presents for children in the Oncology Ward in Alder Hey hospital. The walk, on November 9, will mark 10 years to the day of his stem cell transplant from his mother.

Mr Roberts, who lives in Rhyl South and has two brothers Ben and Tom, a dog Ali and nana, Chris, was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 10 and had a double lung transplant at the age of 15. He says the Liverpool-based hospital is a “place of miracles” and that it “was the best it could be for a child dealing with cancer”.

Mr Roberts, who has a girlfriend; Vicky Davies, said: “The first symptoms I had were a few boils on my body that I hid away from my parents, Lynn and Jez, by putting plasters over them because I was embarrassed and didn’t know what they were.

“I also remember playing a football match; I was a very energetic child but that day I could barely kick the ball.

“We had to go back and forth to the doctors to find out what was wrong.

“Every staff member was incredible in Alder Hey. I still remember all their names 10 years on. When I had the double lung transplant I was older and more aware. My mum ran out the room in tears when the doctor told me what was going to happen and all I thought was don’t cry, let's beat this. My parents stuck by my side every second and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

It took Mr Roberts, who had his transplant in Great Ormond Street Hospital, 13 days until he was allowed home.

“It was one of the quickest turnaround times which I’m proud of,” he added. “Once I was at home though – I had to build up my strength.”

Mr Roberts will be holding a sponsored walk on November, 8 from Rhos on Sea Pier to Rhyl Golf Club. A fundraising charity night will also be held in Rhyl Golf Club – an event which has already sold out.

Mr Roberts has received a list from Alder Hey noting presents that the children would like. He will make his trip in December and leave some gifts with staff to distribute on Christmas Day.

He added: “Alder Hey do all they can to make it special, but children want to spend Christmas at home waiting for Father Christmas.

“If I can put a smile on their faces then I've done my job.”