Appeal to raise £70,000 for a new prosthetic limb for Wisbech St Mary man
An appeal has been launched to raise £70,000 to buy a prosthetic leg for a Wisbech St Mary man who has battled against a rare form of cancer.
Billy Lee was diagnosed with the rare Sarnovia Sarcoma after a tumour the size of a baked bean tin was found on his right femur just days before his 20th birthday in November last year.
Despite two rounds of high dosage chemotherapy, the tumour did not shrink and Billy’s only chance was a full leg and half-hip amputation, conducted in Birmingham.
Billy is now recovering at home with parents, Spencer and Rebecca. Mrs Lee, also known as Bex, said: “He is doing really well. They said you would not normally move out of bed for one to two weeks after the operation but Billy is home.
“It was horrific to be told your son has cancer and to watch him go through chemotherapy. We could not be prouder of him.”
Billy was diagnosed with the 10cm tumour on November 14. The stress of the tumour broke his femur on December 1, leaving him bed bound in Addenbrooke’s Hospital for eight weeks.
On January 14, after the chemotherapy, the family were told the cancer was a more aggressive form and Billy’s only chance was to have the amputation.
They were told Billy would be on crutches or in a wheelchair for the rest of his life as the NHS could not fund a prosthetic limb.
They have now launched the Billy’s Back on My Own Two Feet Fund to buy a Helix 3D leg and hip prosthetic. People across the area are rallying around to organise events.
Billy was just three months away from finishing an electrician’s apprenticeship. Employers Bloom and Wake are keeping his job open and are supporting the fundraising.
Mrs Lee said: “The support has been overwhelming.” Events are being organised across Fenland and people are being urged to get involved.
On February 8, 24/7 will hold a fitness day. Tickets cost £7 from Nicola Leonard Fitness and Training or Sarah Godfrey.
Youngsters will be taking part in a bag pack on April 25 at Wisbech Tesco.
A clairvoyant night with Lorraine Rees will be held at Wisbech St Mary Sports and Social Centre on May 10. Tickets cost £10. Call 01945 411866.
A music festival will be held at Pentney Lakes on May 24 and a pamper feet day at West Walton on May 30.
Bloom and Wake are holding a race night on June 13 and the Local Wish Funday on June 14 at Wisbech Rugby Club will also be supporting.
A golf day will be held at Middleton Hall Golf Club on August 21. For more information or to sponsor a hole contact Dave Parnell by emailing parno@hotmail.co.uk
A funday will be held at Wisbech St Mary Community Centre on September 5.
Fundraisers are also planning to organise a jumble sale. To donate call 01945 410798.
If you would like to make a donation go to: www.gofundme.com/Billyon2feet. Donations are accepted at Holiday With Us branches in High Street, March, and Market Place, Wisbech, and Bantoft and Co accountants in the Boathouse, Wisbech.
