A TEENAGER has spoken of his shock after being diagnosed with cancer, adding: "You don't think it will happen to you".

Mike Bartley, 19, of Edward Street, Rishton, was devastated when he received the results of a biopsy which confirmed he had bone cancer.

Doctors told Mike they had caught the disease in its early stages and he should fully recover.

He is now awaiting hospital appointments for six doses of chemotherapy over the next six months. Once that is done, surgeons will have to rebuild the knee where he found the cancerous lump.

And he wants to get fit enough to go on holiday with his mates later this year after having had to cancel a summer trip to Ayia Napa, Cyprus, because of the cancer.

Mike is grateful for the support of his family and friends. He and nine mates at his local, the Roebuck Pub, Rishton, took part in a sponsored head shave to raise almost £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.

"We were in the pub from early afternoon to give us courage to go through with it," Mike joked. "My pals all look like I will look once I have had the chemotherapy and the day was a good laugh. It cheered me up.

"The support has been unbelievable. Everyone has rallied round me.

"The doctors told me the cancer was in its early stages so there was a good chance of curing it. They said I would then be able to get on with my life. I ignored the lump in my knee for while. You just don't think something like this is going to happen to you. You always think it will happen to other people, who are usually a lot older.

"The results came through last week and it was the biggest shock of my life. But I am determined to beat it and go on holiday with my friends."

Mike has been given time off from his job as a fabric glass laminator at Canopies UK Ltd, of Richmond Terrace, Darwen, until he recovers.