'When you first hear you've got cancer, it's really scary...and when I was told I could go on the trial, I felt like I'd won the lottery'

A LEUKAEMIA patient has told how he found a new FLAIR for life by taking part in a drugs trial that has left him cancer-free for nearly three years and given hope to many other patients like him.

- Chris Riches

William Bennett, 69, was first diagnosed 12 years ago with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, or CLL, a type of blood cancer where the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells.

But when his condition worsened six years ago, he was offered the chance to join the UK-wide FLAIR drugs trial.

Within three months, his dangerously high lymphocyte count had returned to normal levels for someone of his age.

And for the past three years, tests have shown the miracle grandad has no evidence of any disease whatsoever.

The landmark FLAIR trial, led by the University of Leeds, now offers huge hope to other CLL sufferers who have not yet had any other treatments.

Thrilled William, who was treated at the The Christie in Manchester, told the Daily Express: "When you first hear you've got cancer, it's really scary.

"But I know my team at The Christie are with me every step of the way. My family and the people I work for were also brilliant. Their support meant the world to me.

"When I was told I could go on the trial, I felt like I'd won the lottery.

"The treatment made me feel a bit weak, but apart from that, I had no side-effects.

Chance