A Rawtenstall man who was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer has spoken about how he wants to inspire others to fight the illness.

Nathan Hill was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a type of cancer that attacks patients’ bones or the tissue around bones.

It is most common among teenagers and people in their early 20s and is difficult to diagnose when it recurs. But a blood test that detects its presence could speed up diagnosis of a recurrence.

Nathan is now one of the former patients to be included in The Christie Charity’s Impact Report.

The impact report looks back over 2023/2024 and highlights what impact The Christie Charity has made to cancer patients and their families.

The Christie Charity is currently funding research to monitor patients receiving follow up care and spot recurrence earlier, even when it is too small to be picked up on a scan.

The sooner patients currently being treated for Ewing Sarcoma can be tested with the new blood test; the sooner outcomes will improve for those patients for whom cancer has unfortunately returned.

If relapsing patients are caught early enough, then they stand a much better chance of receiving the personalised treatment they need.

Nathan first realised something was wrong when he developed a pain in his leg while playing football in January 2011. The pain became so severe a few months later in May, he was admitted to hospital where he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma.

Along with a gruelling course of chemotherapy, Nathan needed an above-knee amputation. Then after this, he received a stem cell transplant with his own stem cells and had to go into isolation for this for just under three weeks.

Nathan is now in remission, but he still worries the Ewing Sarcoma will come back whenever he goes for a check-up.

He said: “I do have anxiety sometimes as I don’t think you’re ever the same after going through a cancer battle, but I try not to let it drag me down.

“If there is a new blood test which could help diagnose this sooner, it could be a lifesaver for someone like me.”

“The Christie is an amazing charity providing lifesaving care and research. Without the help and generosity of people, many people wouldn't be given the chance of survival they deserve.”

To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today (christie.nhs.uk) or ring 0161 446 3988.