She’s afraid of balloons, she can’t play fetch, but Donal loves Nelly the dog. And to tell the world how much he loves Nelly he has written a book about her.

Donal Parsons is a six year old boy who lives in Strandhill, Country Sligo, Ireland with his big brother James, his mum Jane, his dad Andy and Nelly, his Springer Spaniel. In October 2013, Donal was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a very rare children’s cancer. Donal is currently receiving 18 months of intensive treatment at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin.

Donal has written and illustrated, My Dog, a book about his Springer Spaniel to raise funds for his treatment through the Donal Parsons Trust. My Dog will be launched on 6 March 2014 at the Shells Cafe, Strandhill, Co. Sligo from 7-9pm.

Donal created the book just for fun one afternoon before becoming ill. After starting treatment, Nelly the dog became a great source of entertainment and distraction for Donal. The idea of publishing the book developed from the closeness of their relationship. It also offered a perfect opportunity to do something to raise funds for Donal at the same time as recognizing his beautiful work.

The Donal Parsons Trust has been set up to raise money to access any viable treatments to prevent relapse and to pay for treatments if Donal does relapse. The Trust may also assist Donal and his family during his treatment.

My Dog is produced by the Donal Parsons Trust in conjunction with Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership. The book will be available to buy for €8.00 from  the Kids’ Own Online Bookshop from 6 March.

To find out more about Donal’s progress and all the exciting fundraising events that are being planned, please visit:
The Donal Parsons Trust website:  www.donalparsonstrust.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/donalparsonstrust