THE family of a man battling cancer have launched a campaign to improve his quality of life by getting him treatment abroad.

Anthony Webster, from Eccleston, went to his GP initially, with what was suspected sciatica in his right hip, which following scans in January 2017, was diagnosed a as a massive tumour on his left kidney, which had spread to the liver, lungs and pelvis.

Within weeks Anthony had embarked on a six month course of radium and chemotherapy,which saw his weight drop from 11 stone to seven stone and by the summer he had suffered minor strokes – which affected his ability to walk.

After recovering from sepsis, Anthony was admitted to Willowbrook Hospice, where it was discovered the cancer had spread to his shoulder, neck and brain and was started on a course of immunotherapy

The 48-year-old said: “By November, I had reached my lowest point weighing eight and a half stone and with tumours inside my mouth and housebound recovering from intensive radium therapy.

“But by early December after battling the side effects of the treatment side, I responded well to immunotherapy and started to get back to some sort of normality.

“The dog helped me back into walking and it was great to have family around to celebrate Christmas.”

Anthony,who used to coach junior rugby at Liverpool St Helens, turned the corner last month after scans revealed remission of the cancer.

He explains: “My quality of life had turned a massive corner. I've managed to gain weight, now nearly 11 stone and fitness that I can now execute some normal activities, such as walking to the local shops and watching my son Jacob, 18, playing rugby for Liverpool St Helens as well as doing yoga.”

 Anthony’s wife Jane, 47 said: “Over the past year Anthony has probably had every complication you can have with cancer treatment but he has not given up or complained.

“Anthony has been in our local hospice twice and many 999 calls later he is still finding the inner strength to keep on fighting.

The family's appeal has been launched to get further treatment not available on the NHS by travelling abroad.

Anthony adds: “The next stage of immunotherapy is dendritic cell therapy which unfortunately is not available on the NHS but is available in India.

“I do not fear the road ahead and I have a positive outlook and I am  ready for whatever comes my way.

“My next goal is helping host a fundraising ball at the Mercure Thistle Hotel, Haydock, on Saturday, March 10 to help raise more funds and to celebrate my current achievements with friends and family.” 

The ball will also be hosted by BBC North West Tonight reporter Dave Guest and entertainment will be provided by Mikey Powell singing the songs of music legends including Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin.

For more information about tickets contact Jacqui Rafferty via email on jackraffo@gmail.com

To donate to Anthony’s appeal go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anthony-webster-1?utm_id=125