Norbreck cancer survivor appeals for public backing of Cancer Research UK amid funding troubles

Ben Dickinson, 37, lives on Wilson Square in Norbreck with his wife Leanne, 37 and 18-month-old son Ezra.

As a teenager, Mr Dickinson suffered with ulcerative colitis and had his large bowel, and a portion of his small bowel, removed at 17 years old.

But in 2015, he visited his GP with jaundice, and was referred to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for tests, and then to St James's University Hospital in Leeds.

Ben explained that he had no idea cancer was suspected, until his travel insurance for an upcoming holiday to Egypt was refused.

"I was told by my insurance that I wasn't eligible because I was being tested for cancer. At this point I had no idea, and then I got to the hospital in Leeds and saw it was an oncology department," Ben said.

"I was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in November 2015. I had surgery and spent three months in hospital afterwards, but had to learn to walk and eat properly again because my muscles were ruined after being bed-bound."

Ben had his gallbladder removed, along with part of his pancreas and bile duct. While in hospital, he dropped to seven stone in weight, and wife Leanne had to sleep next to him on a camp bed.

Fortunately, the cancer had not spread to surrounding lymph nodes and the successful surgery was the only treatment he needed.

Now Ben has vowed to help Cancer Research UK as it launches an urgent new appeal for donations to help get life-saving work back on track.

Following the cancellation of fundraising events like Race for Life, the charity is expecting a £160 million drop in income in the year ahead.

As a result, the charity has had to cut £44 million in research funding.

Ben and Leanne have supported the charity since his surgery, raising £1300 with an Ultra Ballroom event in 2018.

They hoped that the public would rally round to help Cancer Research in its time of need, so it can continue to fund vital research.

Ben continued: "Cancer touches everyone at some point in their lives, I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer as well.

"I'm happy to support Cancer Research UK in any way I can, because their work is so vital.

"It was so important for me, not only for my cancer survival but to allow me to actually live my life afterwards with my wife and my son Ezra."

Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has crucial to progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.

It currently funds around 50 per cent of all publicly-funded cancer research in the UK.

However, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, projects are being held up.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “We’re grateful to Ben for helping to underline the stark reality of the current situation.

"COVID-19 put so much of our research on pause, leaving us facing a crisis where every day and every pound counts.

“With around 41,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year in the North West, we will never stop striving to create better treatments. But we can’t do it alone.

“Whether they donate, sign up to Race for Life at Home or shop at our stores - with the help of people in Blackpool, we believe that together we will still beat cancer.”

To donate, visit cruk.org/give