Civil servant speaks of his brave battle against a rare form of cancer

Ben Dickinson, 33, from Bispham, has opened up about his plight in support of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fund-raising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

He said: “The last 12 months have been really tough. Being in hospital in for such a long time and away from home wasn’t easy.”

Ben first fell ill 12 months ago when he suffered from jaundice. After several tests, including biopsies and having a camera placed in his stomach, he spent a week in hospital with pancreatitis.

Surgeons operated on his stomach after suspicious-looking cells were found in his stomach and Ben, who had his large bowel removed as a teen, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in early December.

After having his gallbladder and part of his pancreas and bile duct removed during the 13-hour op, Ben was told the cancer was at an early stage and no further treatment was needed.

The devoted Liverpool FC fan lost five stone in weight, but despite his illness is back at work and continues to remain positive.

“My wife Leanne has been an absolute rock to me. We are just so relieved to come through it all and are looking forward to the future.”

Leanne, who also works for the civil services, as an accountant, added: “I’m so grateful for the treatment that helped Ben and I’m so proud to support Stand Up To Cancer.”

This year’s campaign, supported by celebrities including Davina McCall and Alan Carr, will culminate on Friday, October 21, with a night of live TV on Channel 4.

Jane Bullock, from Cancer Research in Blackpool, said: “It’s time to rebel against cancer, raise money, and save lives. Research is our weapon against this terrible disease.”