CANCER fighter Chris Carberry says the disease that has taken over his life for three years “is the best and worst thing to ever happen” to him.
The 22-year-old from Rainford was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, osteosarcoma in December 2015.

During his fight with the disease, Chris had his left leg amputated in March 2016 – a decision he described as “leg or life”.
Chris’ cancer journey has seen him blog about these experiences, writing words that have inspired others. This contributed to him winning the Pride of St Helens Courage Award.

Chris posted this picture showing his days as a bricklayer

Chris recently posted an emotional statement on his The Next Step for Chris Facebook page, with a picture from before he was diagnosed.

It said: “It’s been three years since I was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 19. 

“A whirlwind journey followed and I don’t think anything could’ve prepared me for what was in store; the vomiting, the sleepless nights hooked up to a chemo pump, the countless operations, unwanted drug highs and even learning to walk on my own again. Everything. 

“When I stop for a minute and quietly think, I always come back to the conclusion that there’s more good come from this disease than bad. 

“Yes I’ve been some places that no teenager or young adult should ever have to go and yes my life is much harder day today now than it’s ever been, but maybe I wouldn’t be the person I’m developing into if I hadn’t earned those stripes.

“Does this make me lucky then? Absolutely. Cancer is the both the best and worst thing to ever happen to me. 

“It may have robbed me of three years but it’s opened many doors, presented infinite opportunities and introduced me to some of the finest individuals on earth, many of whom were taken way too young but left their marks on me and this world like nobody else.”

Chris is accessing alternative treatment Dendretic cell therapy in India with £129,000 raised towards the cost.
Donate at gofundme.com/chris-lifesaving-treatment