A Town star's debut novel is raising money in aid of an "overlooked" cancer which his friend died from aged 24.

Dom Ball has been announced as an ambassador for Sarcoma UK, a cause close to his heart after his childhood friend Spencer McCall was diagnosed was Ewing Sarcoma.

On taking the roll, the 28-year-old footballer said he wanted to honour his friend's "incredible spirit".

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Town footballer Dom Ball has released his first book and will donate proceeds to Sarcoma UK.Ipswich Town footballer Dom Ball has released his first book and will donate proceeds to Sarcoma UK. (Image: Supplied by Sarcoma UK)

One of the first steps he is taking is to donate proceeds from his debut book, From Winning Teams to Broken Dreams, to Sarcoma UK.

The book focuses on six friends and the realities as they chase their dreams of becoming professional footballers.

The defensive midfielder said: “Spencer was the kind of friend who felt more like a brother. We grew up together and faced life's challenges side-by-side ever since we were 12 years old.

Ipswich Star: Dom Ball visiting Downing Street to raise awareness about Sarcoma. Dom Ball visiting Downing Street to raise awareness about Sarcoma. (Image: Sarcoma UK)

"Losing him at such a young age to Ewing sarcoma was devastating for me. Watching him suffer through the harsh realities of this merciless disease was an experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Spencer fought with everything he had but, in the end, sarcoma stole him from all of us far too soon.

“By becoming a Sarcoma UK ambassador, I’m honouring his incredible spirit and making sure his voice, his struggle, doesn’t get lost.

"No family should endure what Spencer and those closest to him went through. I’ll use my platform to shine a spotlight on this overlooked cancer to fund research, raise awareness, and prevent other young lives from being tragically cut short.”

Sarcoma is an uncommon cancer that can strike any part of the body, with over 100 subtypes that frequently impact the muscle, bone, tendons, and connective tissues.

Sarcoma UK’s chief executive Richard Davidson said it was an honour to welcome the Town player as an ambassador. 

He said: "Dom's heartbreaking loss of his best friend Spencer at such a young age to Ewing sarcoma gives him a profound personal connection and perspective. When he speaks about the need to raise sarcoma awareness, fund research, and improve care for patients, you can hear the authentic compassion and resolve behind his words. It comes from a place of deep caring after witnessing first-hand the cruelties of this disease.

“Ambassadors like Dom are vital voices for the sarcoma community. He can bring wider visibility to these uncommon cancers in an impactful way."