A FAMILY has been left devastated after a talented apprentice was diagnosed with cancer at the age of just 18.

Bobby Lowe, who lives in Daisy Hill, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), in October after he went to hospital feeling unwell.

He was sent to The Christie Hospital in Manchester and is still there having chemotherapy.

Dannie Lowe, Bobby’s cousin, said: “It was such a shock and he is still at the Christie. He started his chemotherapy and now we just have to wait and see.

“It has been quite hard for his mum and dad, Karen and Anthony. They are devastated.

“But he has been so brave. He keeps telling us not to worry about him and that he will get better.

“We are all doing okay. We are trying to be strong for Bobby. He has been so strong and he just wants to get better.

“He should be home in about 12 to 15 weeks if the treatment goes well.”

Bobby, who has a brother Sam, aged 22, and a sister Lauren, aged 20, went to St James Primary School in Westhoughton before moving on to Westhoughton High School.

He had been training to become an electrician and was tackling the second year of his apprenticeship before he was diagnosed.

His mother Karen has had to stop working temporarily to look after Bobby so the family has been fundraising.

They will be holding an event at the Rosehill Tavern in Leigh Road, Westhoughton on Saturday.

It will begin at noon and will include darts, a pool tournament, music, head shaving and raffle prizes.

Ms Lowe said: “The response has been overwhelming. So many people have been coming forward with prizes for the raffle. At this rate, everyone who has bought a raffle ticket is going to get one.”

Anyone who wants to donate can do so by going to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kellie-mcgarry