'I was given 12 hours to live – now my wooden Dalek is helping cancer research'
I built a wooden Dalek after cancer changed my life – now I hope it can help others
A Leeds carpenter who was once given just 12 hours to live has turned his lifelong passion for woodworking into a full-sized wooden Dalek – with a mission to help other people facing cancer.
For more than five decades, Martin Williams has completed a range of woodwork projects for family, friends and his wider community, from restoring Victorian homes to crafting bespoke joinery.
But after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his most unique creation yet – a full-sized wooden Dalek – was carved with a different purpose in mind: supporting the life-saving work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The 73-year-old Doctor Who fan had started to create a wooden Dalek but in 2020 his work was put on hold when he was told he had cancer.
He said: “ I was due to undergo a different operation to remove a hernia, but they ran blood tests the day before which revealed something wasn’t right with my kidneys.
“ I went to see my GP about the results, where I was told to go straight to the emergency department at St James’s Hospital.
“They found my bladder was not emptying properly and pushing on my kidneys, reducing their capacity down to eight per cent. I was given just 12 hours to live.”
He was later diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and went on to receive hormone treatment alongside 22 rounds of radiotherapy.
Despite his health, Martin was determined to complete the Dalek with renewed motivation.
He is currently receiving treatment again after his cancer returned again at the end of last year.
But he is determined to support the charity’s vital work and now his completed creation is set to be auctioned ahead of the 2027 Yorkshire Cancer Research gala dinner fundraising event.
Martin said: “Unfortunately, the cancer has spread into my lymph nodes and bones. There are a lot of tiring side effects, but 20 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to benefit from this treatment. I feel lucky to still be here.”
He added: “Research makes a big difference. I know from personal experience that even making some treatments less aggressive and easier to handle would hugely help.
“If funds raised from the sale of the Dalek can support research happening in Yorkshire and benefit somebody else in the future, then that’s what matters.”