Cancer-stricken DJ told doctors: Save others first
A BRAVE DJ who battled leukaemia tragically died after testing positive for coronavirus just days following his 30th birthday – telling doctors they should “save someone else’s life” instead.
Liam Downing was given the devastating news that he had contracted the killer virus three days after being admitted to hospital with a suspected infection on March 16.
He was also told there was nothing more the doctors could do to cure his cancer, which he had been battling for two years.
The brave music fan decided not to be medicated any more as he did not want to be a strain on the NHS during the crisis.
The family had no idea how much longer Liam had to live but prayed he would celebrate his 30th birthday on March 23.
His sister Laura said they had hoped he would still have a few months.
Liam had created a bucket list which included buying a day rider on the bus in Leeds, where he lived, as he never took the bus because he loved cars.
In a final send-off, he spent his birthday surrounded by family after they were given special permission to visit him in his hospital room.
They placed balloons and banners around the walls, and despite suffering pain and bouts of coughing he still had a “big booming smile” his family said.
Tragically, Liam lost his fight for life last Friday.
His grieving sister Laura has now paid a heartfelt tribute to her “brave brother”.
In a social media post, she said: “He has fought leukaemia for nearly two years and last week we were told there was nothing more they could do to help him.
“To then be told he had coronavirus was just devastating.
Laura added: “Expecting Liam to have at least a few months, he started making a bucket list of things he wanted to do before he died.
“We were uncertain whether he was going to see his 30th birthday, which I’m so thankful he did.
“I’m so unbelievably proud of you Liam! You fought so long and hard but now’s your time to relax. “You’re now out of pain. “I’m so glad we had so much laughter together as we got older.
“I’ll forever cherish those memories.What a legend you are.”
She added: “I love you Liam forever and always. Sleep tight, spread those wings and you fly high my bro.”
More than £1,500 has been already been raised on an online fundraising page for Liam since his death.
On the GofundMe page his sister said the money raised towards the £8,000 target would be spent on buying a plot, headstone and flowers.
In a touching gesture, she said if any money was left over, it would be donated to the hospital that looked after Liam for the last two years of his life.
She said: “I have set this page up to give Liam the best send-off we possibly can and give him a beautiful final resting place that he deserves where we can all go visit him, to spend time and talk to him.
“Money raised will be spent on Liam’s plot, headstone, flowers.
“Any money left over I would like to be able to send our parents on a little night away as it’s the least they deserve after the last few years we have had as a family.
“Also if we are lucky enough to have any money left, I would like to donate it to the hospital that looked after Liam for the last two years.”