Ladder fall changed my life for ever, says Halifax cancer victim
Apprentice plumber William Binns, then 19, of Southowram, was working with his step father, Mick Ackroyd, in Halifax’s Borough Market when he lost his balance and fell.
Weeks later, after returning to Calderdale Royal Hospital, where he was being treated for a stretched ligament, a seven inch tumour wrapped around Will’s nerve muscles, was discovered by medics.
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Hide AdThe tumour was the deadly Ewing’s sarcoma - a rare primary bone cancer which affects around 30 children and teenagers each year in the UK.
Since then, Will, whose lower left leg was amputated to remove the tumour, has shown incredible positivity and bravery, say his mother, Bev Ackroyd, and girlfriend, Emily Coleman.
“Will has dealt with this with dignity and an incredible strength which has astounded all of us, we’re so proud,” said Bev who says the family is “touched” by the amount of support they have received from friends, family and strangers.
“If I hadn’t fallen off the ladder then I dread to think how things might have turned out.
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Hide Ad“I’m just getting on with it - this could happen to anyone and it just so happens it’s me. It’s better that I’m younger so I can adapt and keep positive,” said the now 20-year-old.
“It didn’t bother me having my leg amputated, I’m just looking forward to when I can get a prosthetic and get some independence back,” he said.
Mr Binns says the phantom leg pain he is experiencing is excruciating.
He returned to St James’ Hospital, Leeds, on Wednesday, to begin chemotherapy treatment for tumour nodules which travelled from his leg to his lungs. William hopes to be back home, today.
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Hide AdToday, William’s grandmother, Patsy Hardy, is holding a sale on the Mayor’s stall in Halifax town centre to raise money for Teenager Cancer Trust. William and his family plan to hold more fundraising events in the future. To donate see virginmoneygiving.com/team/williambinns