CANCER fighter Chris Carberry is today undergoing major spinal surgery as part of his battle against stage 4 bone cancer.

Chris, 23, from Rainford, will have major surgery to stabilise his spine weakened by recent progression of his disease, Osteosarcoma.

The former bricklayer 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.

This latest operation comes after he suffered what he called ‘another setback' in the latter months of 2019, once again casting uncertainty over his future.

Sharing the news on his website and across social media this morning, Chris said: "Dear friends, family and supporters. This Friday (January 24) I am to have major spinal surgery as part of managing the pain and

instability caused by the disease in my mid-spine.

"This step is of the utmost urgency after recent scans earlier in the new year showed that my new treatment regime has been largely ineffective and my disease still apparent and progressing.

"The operation will last most of the day and includes introducing 'scaffolding' across the midsection of my spine, the removal of bone to decompress my spinal cord and taking a biopsy to confirm that it is in fact the same disease, Osteosarcoma, that we're dealing with here.

"It is important to note that this operation is not a curative procedure and other than the biopsy, no disease will be removed in the process.

"I appreciate many won't understand why this is - due to the complexity of the situation - however experts across the country do not think it is in my best interest to do so.

"This is something I’ve come to understand and agree with and I will try my best to explain one day when I’m fitter.

"Going forward, Tash, my family and I will continue to research and strive towards achieving my goal of living a cancer-free life in the future - whether that means living with the disease or not.

"And whilst I recognise that my situation and prognosis is overwhelmingly dire and gloomy at present, I ask you to join me in the belief that miracles do happen each and every day, and there's no reason why I cannot be one of those successful healing stories in the future.

"Thank you as always for your undeserved love and support."