The Traitors legend heartbroken as he reveals beloved family member’s cancer battle and begs fans for help
THE Traitors’ Wilfred Webster has issued a heartfelt plea to fans after his beloved cousin was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
Wilfred, who was a finalist on the hit BBC One show, has reached out for help amid his family’s devastating news.
The reality star’s cousin Liam has been told he has an aggressive and fast-growing, blood cancer called Burkitt Lymphoma.
Liam, who has autism and learning disabilities, has multiple areas in his body which have been affected and he has been medically deemed at Stage Four of the disease.
He is now due to start a gruelling 18-week course of treatment at a hospital far from his home but, due to his complex additional needs, he struggles when in the presence of strangers.
As a result, Wilf’s family are now trying to raise enough money to help fund living costs for Liam’s desperate mother and brother Sam so they can stay close to him.
Taking to Instagram, Wilf has called upon his army of followers to see if they are able to help.
He wrote: “Hey everyone I hope you are well.
“Sadly my cousin Liam has been diagnosed with cancer and the family are trying to raise money for various reasons.
“It’s a hard time for everyone and I’m only asking for help if it’s possible. Thank you so far for your support.”
Wilfred then shared some words from Liam’s brother Sam, who explained: “My brother, Liam has been diagnosed with a rare aggressive, fast growing, Blood Cancer called Burkitt Lymphoma.
“His Lymph Nodes around the neck and other places, kidneys, liver, spleen and bone marrow are all currently affected and he is at Stage 4 of the disease.
“He is now starting treatment at Addenbrookes Hospital who are providing fantastic care.”
But Sam continued: “Liam has Global Learning Disabilities and Autism, where routine is crucial and from where he struggles to mix with or respond to people who are unknown to him.
“Having people around Liam that he knows is something that he needs to function the best way he can.
“Liam needs his family to be close to him and unfortunately accommodation cannot be guaranteed at the hospital for his family to be with him for this period.
“We have looked at nearby accommodation (hotels £60-90 per night, hostels, rooms for rent) nothing is really affordable or requires us to eat out as they don’t have cooking facilities or are far from the hospital.
“Myself, Mum and close family members have been caring for Liam since birth, he has never been away from us and we know how to communicate with him which needs to continue for the length of his treatment to aide his best recovery.”
Liam’s family have now set up a GoFundMe page and have so far managed to raise more than £5,000 for the cause.
Wilf’s friends and fans have been really touched by his sad news.
One told him: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this Wilf! thinking of you and all the family.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear this, thinking of you all.”
And a third penned: “Wilf – just donated – Hope it helps – so sad – my thoughts are with you all.”
Wilfred made it to the final of last year’s series of The Traitors and he was branded by viewers as “the ultimate villain”.