Seventeen-year-old Liam Harker from Darlington only found out he was suffering from stomach cancer six weeks ago after he was admitted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle. After being treated with an intensive course of radiotherapy, Liam was told on April 3 that he had beaten the cancer as the tumour had started to shrink.
Things took a serious turn for the worse the following day when Liam became very ill however. X-Rays revealed that the cancer had not only returned, it had spread throughout his body. It was at this moment that his parents were told that more radiotherapy would only help prolong his life by a matter of weeks.
Last Friday, Liam was told he had just two weeks left to live and was allowed home to die. Macmillan nurses are on hand round the clock to help him and his family at this incredibly difficult time. Upon arriving home, Liam's wish to his dad was to spend his final days in a shirt signed by the players he idolises. He also asked his dad to bury him in a Liverpool shirt when he dies as he's lived and breathed Liverpool Football Club all his life.
When news reached the club of Liam's plight, the youngster's dad was contacted and Liam was invited down to Melwood on Monday to not only pick up a signed shirt but also be taken on a tour of Melwood and meet not just the players but also Rafael Benitez.
Unfortunately, Liam was advised by doctors that he wouldn't be able to make the trip to Liverpool due to his worsening condition as even short trips between his home and the hospital in Newcastle for radiotherapy sessions take too much out of the youngster.
However, while Liam couldn't make the trip to Melwood to pick up the shirt, today one arrived special delivery at his home in the North East from Liverpool complete with the autographs of all his heroes.
Liam Harker Liverpool Hero, YNWA
The shirt and other gifts from the club arrived on the day that doctors took the decision to stop Liam's treatment as they believe his brave fight against cancer is drawing to a close.
Now Liverpool fans on the independent website Red and White Kop are desperately trying to organise a banner to display on the Kop in Liam's name in time for the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday night. The hope is that Liam can hang on until at least Tuesday to see the flag at home on television.
