The mum of a West Cumbrian rugby player that died from cancer will appear on a BBC TV programme.

Sue Addyman, who lives near Workington, had her life turned upside down in November when her 23-year-old son died of Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

Her son James was diagnosed with the disease in 2017 and went through months of gruelling treatment on the Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit in The Freeman Hospital at Newcastle, before he was forced to have his right arm and shoulder amputated.

After his diagnosis, James took on a huge amount of fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, even taking on a abseil challenge after his amputation. He also continued playing rugby and was given a ‘sporting hero’ award.

James’s cancer returned in 2019, forcing the resumption of chemotherapy. Sadly, the treatment was unsuccessful, and he died in November 2019, aged 23.

Tributes poured in for the “truly inspirational” rugby hero, who played for both Keswick and Carlisle.

Sue will now feature in a BBC One TV Lifeline Appeal on September 27, sharing the moving story of her late son James’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Since her son’s death, Sue has been continuing James’ legacy by fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, along with friends, family and their local community.

She had hoped to do the Great North Run earlier this year for the charity but it was cancelled due to Covid-19. Instead, Sue and members of her family took part in a virtual version of the run on Sunday 13 September, raising £2,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Teenage Cancer Trust funds 28 specialist units around the country to bring teens and young adults together to face the challenges of cancer and be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them.

Now, Sue is raising funds in James’s memory yet again by taking part in the BBC One appeal for Teenage Cancer Trust.

“Teenage Cancer Trust Nurse Nicola was great, if you had any questions about treatment or a side effect or just needed to talk, she would sort it out for us, leaving us to spend more time together as a family,” explained Sue.

“In an ideal world everyone who needs it should have support from Teenage Cancer Trust, and the difference they made to James and our family has not been forgotten.

“Please do watch the BBC One Lifeline Appeal on Sunday and find out more about how you can help this amazing charity.”