IT’S always tough when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer but ten-year-old Joshua Maloney took it particularly hard when he was told his grandma had breast cancer.

While only a youngster, he is wise beyond his years and was still all-too aware of what cancer is and the heartache it can bring.

But he decided he wasn’t going to take it laying down and decided he wanted to do something to help.

He decided he wanted to organise a book sale at his school to raise funds for cancer research and rallied round his family, friends and classmates to collect as many as he could.

Proud mum Emma said it was a welcome distraction for the family as much as for Joshua.

“He decided he wanted to sell some of his old books to see if he could raise some money,” said Emma, 33, of Wheatcrofts, Barnsley.

“He’s really close to his grandma so he found it really hard, but he’s been strong through it all. He was determined he was going to do something about it.”

He recruited his younger sister Phoebe, five, who also donated some of her old books, and before long, his friends were joining in.

“The school got behind it too, everyone’s been really supportive which is fantastic, but it was all Joshua’s idea.

“He’s responded in such a positive way and he just wants to do what he can to help.”

The sale took place at Shawlands Primary on Tuesday and was a huge success. More than £120 has already been collected but money is still coming in with much more pledged.

And the extra good news is that grandma Lynn Maloney, 63, is feeling much better.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in August but has had surgery which was a complete success, and is now undergoing chemotherapy to ensure the cancer does not come back.

“It’s preventative,” she said. “It is hard and it can take it out of you. I have odd days where I can’t do as much, but other than that I like to keep busy.”

Retired teacher Lynn spends a lot of time with her grandchildren, looking after them four days a week - even now while she is undergoing chemotherapy.

“They keep me going really, they’re fantastic,” she said.

“I’m so proud of Joshua for what he’s done. I think he’s just amazing.

“He’s very thoughtful, and he knows the money he’s helping raise now is about the future.

“The treatment I’m having now has been researched through money raised long ago. He’s raising money to help people in the future and he knows that.”

Lynn is planning to host her own fund-raising events and projects in the coming weeks and months as she recovers.

A spokesman for the school said: “We all think it’s been fabulous. He’s done so well and he’s really brought the school community together.”