A MAN from Leyland who was diagnosed with cancer, has had his hopes of a life-saving operation dashed after surgeons said the tumour was too advanced to operate.

Peter Gibson, 41, from Elmwood Avenue, was hoping to travel to New York for the vital surgery on his brain.

The operation was to be paid for by friends and well wishers who raised £11,000 through donations and fund-raising events.

But now the money will be used for a family holiday for Peter, his wife Ellen and seven-year-old daughter Victoria who are coming to terms with the devastating news.

Peter was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year but British doctors said his condition was inoperable and gave him just months to live.

But after watching a BBC documentary about the pioneering work of American surgeon Patrick Kelly, the family built up their hopes. They contacted him via the internet and he agreed to operate.

Since then, however, Peter's condition has deteriorated and this week he was given the devastating news that it was too late to operate.

Gerry Thompson, life-long family friend and one of the chief fundraisers, told how Peter is determined to battle on.

"The news has obviously been a big blow to the family," explained Gerry.

"But, Peter's positive attitude to the news is truly inspirational.

"It's not going to get him down because he's a fighter, even though the radiotherapy has taken a lot out of him.

"He's taking the news better than most of the rest of us considering the gravity of it."

Peter's story was featured in the Citizen in June after friends of the former Leyland Trucks worker pledged to raise enough cash to send him to the States for the life-saving operation.

Gerry added: "We are still going to carry on raising money for Peter.

"In fact, we have a cabaret night at the Priory club in Leyland on Friday, September 1, and another cabaret evening at the Leyland Motors club on Friday, October 13.

"We are not giving up. We are determined to help in every way we can."

Pictured: Peter Gibson with his wife Ellen and daughter Victoria.