A young cancer patient from Hitchin has sent a ‘massive thank you’ to everyone who has helped her, with two more charity fundraisers planned in the town over the next week.

Sam Williams from Benslow Lane is receiving proton beam therapy treatment in Prague to remove a golf-ball sized tumour lodged in her brain behind her eyes.

She was disagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer just weeks before the end of her university course in May this year.

An appeal for cash to help fund the treatment has seen nearly £20,000 raised in a month.

The money will continue to flow when Osinsky’s Bar and Grill in Market Place hosts a fundraiser tomorrow from 7pm, with The Radcliffe in Walsworth Road due to hold another on Wednesday next week.

Sam, 21, speaking from Prague, told the Comet: “My treatment’s going well. It’s not easy but I’m lucky to be having it.

“The response from people in Hitchin and elsewhere has been so lovely. I’m really grateful for all the donations.

“I wish I could thank everyone personally – they’ve helped me more than they will ever know.

“I’d like to send a massive thank you to Osinsky’s and The Radcliffe for their two fundraisers.

“I also can’t thank enough all those attending for their kindness, effort and contribution towards funding my life-saving treatment.

“I’ve never felt alone in this. It’s made me realise how lucky I am.

“My family have stood by me every step of the way, and my friends have been there to pick me up when I’m down.

“I can’t wait to be done with the treatment and get my sense of taste back – and eat some chocolate.”

Dad Chris Williams added: “The tumour’s shrunk by 50 per cent, meaning she only has to have proton therapy instead of more bouts of chemo now.

“The doctor said he was amazed at how well she’s been doing.

“We’ve been writing thank you cards all week to people for their generosity.”

Friend and dj Alex Brown, who helped organise Sam’s Osinsky’s fundraiser, added: “I just felt something had to be done when I learned of Sam’s condition.”