Press release - 13th November 2009
Before: Liam is pictured third from right with friends Steve Lemoine, Daniel McIntyre, Stephen Allan, Paul Lancaster, Christy Harris and brother Seamus Walsh.Oswaldtwistle cancer patient starts fundraising just weeks after diagnosis
A 26 year old man from Oswaldtwistle near Blackburn, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, has already begun fundraising for the cancer centre where he has just started treatment.
Liam Walsh, a contracts manager for a local shop fitting company, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, on the 9th October. It is not a very common form of the disease, with only 1,600 cases diagnosed in the UK each year.
Liam, who has been engaged to fiancée Michelle for over two years, said; “About nine or ten months ago I noticed I had a lump in my neck that just wouldn’t go away. I went to the doctors and just got told it was probably an infected gland. The medication I was given didn’t seem to do anything though, so I went back for a second opinion.
“I then underwent a biopsy only to receive the shocking news that it was cancerous. I just couldn’t believe it – I’m a 26 year old lad, fairly fit and healthy and never really had any problems before.”
Liam has since started treatment at the specialist cancer treatment The Christie based in South Manchester and has undergone his first course of chemotherapy.
He said; “Despite everything, I’m feeling positive and I’ve had so much support from my friends and family.
After: Liam is pictured in the middle of the group with brother (left to right) Seamus Walsh and friends Stephen Dodd, Nigel Dodd, Mel Meakin, Paul Lancaster and Steve Lemoine. “Everything at The Christie has been fantastic too – it’s a great place, the staff are so friendly and have made me feel really confident – you feel that you’re in extremely capable and expert hands from the outset. I know that treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma can be very successful and many people are cured of the disease.”
And the support Liam has had since his diagnosis was evident at a fundraising night he organised at his local – the Foresters pub in Knuzden. He rallied round several of his closest friends and family, to take part in a sponsored head shave to raise money for The Christie to help other cancer patients.
“Since being at The Christie, I’ve realised just how much work goes on here and how much fundraising is relied upon. I wanted to do my bit and my mates were terrific sports getting involved. Money’s still being counted but I expect to have raised about £5.500.”
“I know I’m going to beat this. My fiancée keeps on pestering me about when we’re going to set a date for the big day. Well I’m looking forward to a double celebration – Michelle becoming my wife and me being given the all clear. What a party that will be!”
Head of community fundraising at the Christie charity, Amanda Borg, said; “Liam is just truly inspirational. He’s been delivered some shocking news, but he’s just got right back on his feet and isn’t letting anything get him down.
“Year by year, cancer survival rates at here The Christie are improving and through the generosity of fundraisers and donors like Liam and his mates, we’re able to provide even more effective treatments.”
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The Christie in Manchester is one of the leading cancer centres in Europe - registering around 12,500 new patients and treating about 40,000 patients every year.
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