AN INSPIRATIONAL young sportsman who returned to rugby after losing an arm and shoulder to cancer is back in treatment.

James Addyman, 23, underwent months of gruelling treatment after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer back in 2017.

He had his right arm and shoulder joint removed and, for six months, spent three weeks out of five having treatment at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

Now he is undergoing further chemotherapy after cancerous nodules were found on his lung.

Yet James, who was named a Community Hero at last year’s Cumberland News awards, remains unfazed by it all,

“It was something you kind of expect afterwards. It didn’t come as that much of a shock.

“I’m just getting some chemo at the Freeman now. I started it about five weeks ago,” said James, who lives in Asby, near Lamplugh in west Cumbria.

“I’m in for four days every three weeks. It’s going well.”

Asked if he was worried, he added: “Not too much really. We just need to see how they (the nodules) react to the chemo.”

Throughout his treatment, James has been supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust.

He has been looked after in their specialist Teenage Cancer Unit at the Freeman and been supported by the charity through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

James, who played rugby for Keswick 2nds, had hoped to take part in this year’s Keswick Half Marathon for the Teenage Cancer Trust, but had to back out as a result of the treatment.

But instead he rallied his friends and family to take part - raising more than £10,000 to date and that total is still rising.

“I’d signed up so I was disappointed I couldn’t run it but I got everyone into it. I was there on the day. There were over 30 of them who did it. They have raised loads,” he said.

James explained why raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust is so important to him.

“Having spent so much time in hospital it was really nice to have the support of the Teenage Cancer Trust nurse and youth support coordinator,” he said.

“They are used to dealing with young people and really knew how to talk to people my age.”

During his time at the Freeman Hospital, James spent many hours in the charity’s recreational room - featuring a lounge, kitchen, TV, computer games and a jukebox – making it much more like a home than a traditional hospital day room.

He explained: “Having the recreational room has been brilliant. It meant that when I had visitors we had somewhere relaxing to sit or even enjoy a meal together.

“It is also a fantastic place to meet other young people going through cancer treatment instead of just lying in your bed as there is nothing more depressing than that.”

Having held other fundraisers for the charity, the family were keen to keep their support going.

James said choosing the Keswick Half Marathon - which he has taken part in when he was 19 - for the next charity challenge was an easy decision.

“The race is organised by Keswick Rugby Club, where my brothers and I have all played for a long time,” he explained.

“Everyone at the club has been really supportive and some of the members have already raised a fair bit for Teenage Cancer Trust with various events.”

The race took place on May 5, starting in Portinscale and ending at the rugby club, following a full circuit of Derwentwater.

Among those taking part were his two brothers, Will and John, and girlfriend Ruby Nicholson.

James said: “It was great to watch everyone. Keswick is quite a tough half marathon so they did really well.”