The stepmother of a former Southborough High School pupil who died from cancer has written a book about her journey of hope, determination and grief.

For the Love of George is the story of Irene Pantziarka and her stepson George, who fought three different types of cancers in his lifetime.

George had Li Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that predisposes sufferers to cancer. He died in April 2011 aged 17.

Mrs Pantziarka became George's stepmother when he was just three years old, after his biological mother died from cancer. It is assumed George inherited Li Fraumeni Syndrome from her. Mrs Pantziarka, who wrote the book under her maiden name of Irene Kappes, launched the book at Southborough's library last week.

She said: "I found myself driven to write.

"In the initial stages it was therapeutic but it was particularly hard editing the book because it was like reliving it again and again."

Southborough headteacher Niall Smith said: "George was a very special young man and his memory lives on within Southborough.

"Every year at our prize giving event, his family join us in order to present The George Pantziarka Award, an award that recognises a special student who has remained cheerful in the face of adversity.

"When we heard about the book written by Georges mother, we didn't hesitate to offer to host the book launch; indeed we feel truly privileged to be part of the ongoing legacy of George."

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The book by Irene Kappes

Ex-form tutor Kevin Scales said: "George was a lovely young man and a true inspiration to all his friends in the school. "He was bright and clever with a great sense of humour.

"Despite the trials and tribulations that he so often had to go through with his ongoing cancer treatment - which was often extremely painful for him - he never complained or felt sorry for himself.

"Indeed, he always managed a smile for everyone, which made us love him all the more."

A photo of George can still be seen hanging in the school foyer today.

The book, the first literary offering from Mrs Pantziarka, can be bought in bookshops or as an Amazon Kindle ebook, with a share of its proceeds going towards the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust.

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