Liam becomes an online star as he shares his cancer journey

A young Youtube star from Dukinfield has been using his platform to raise awareness of osteosarcoma - a bone cancer that he was diagnosed with just two months ago.

Thirteen-year-old Liam Preece had complained of an aching in his knee earlier in the year, but had put it down to growing pains that would come and go.

It wasn’t until he struggled to play football on his brother’s birthday that the family knew something wasn’t right and took him to hospital.

“That afternoon they diagnosed him with osteosarcoma,” explained his mum, Jodie. “They did an MRI scan first, then a bone scan which was sent to Stanmoor Royal Orthopaedic Hospital who specialise in it – where it was confirmed.

“None of us expected it. We then had to take a visit to Stanmoor for them to take a biopsy and he is now on a continuing treatment of chemotherapy, before Liam goes for an operation on his knee to shave away the bone – we’ve been calling it his bionic knee.”

Liam has been spotlighting his treatment and videoing his trips to hospital to upload on Youtube, with his upbeat and honest commentary attracting the well wishes of thousands – especially when gaming YouTuber ‘Syndicate’ shouted him out on his own channel.

The online star even came round for a socially distanced house visit, and his shout-out has shot Liam’s channel subscribers to more than 10,000.

Among his supporters is UFC fighter Modestas, who saw Liam’s story and got in touch, offering him the chance to see him in action once his treatment is over. 

Even Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford sent his best wishes, with a signed football shirt.

“It seems so surreal if I’m honest,” Jodie added. “We’ve had a lot of people ask us how are we coping, how are we managing – but Liam is just so positive. 

“He has just said he’ll fight it and beat it, even when he’s having a bad day.

“At first we were all incredibly upset, but we have pulled together as a family.”

The family are incredibly close-knit, with Liam’s siblings - Callum, 15, Chloe, 18 and three-year-old Theo - often having to wave through the window to their brother during distanced visits to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

They added that they have been amazed by the response to Liam’s channel and journey, stating that they cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity in the form of gifts and donations.

“We’ve had so much support - even from random people who have sent things like chocolate and sweets to cheer him up. Liam is absolutely gobsmacked. 

“So thank you to everyone for their kindness.”

If you would like to watch Liam’s videos, you can do so on his channel which can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ebOF4Y-lobG3HnQWMaR9Q

Or donate to the JustGiving page in support of the family here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/my-name-is-liams-battle-with-osteosarcoma