Selfless Stalybridge community hero Steve Barton is determined to make a difference for one young lad whose story has touched his heart.

Steve, who founded Barty’s Food Bank and who has widened the scope of his support for individuals and families at the recently opened Stalybridge Community Hub, was at a Buckingham Palace Garden party today (Wednesday). 

It was just reward for his remarkable dedication helping those most in need down the years.

He was a recipient of a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2020 in recognition of that work.

But although attending the garden party was a wonderful experience, Steve’s thoughts were closer to home and for brave Stalybridge teenager Liam Preece who is battling cancer.

Sadly Liam’s cancer - Osteosarcoma - has returned and spread to his right lung. It is a particularly aggressive and fast growing cancer, but as a keen young YouTuber Liam has bravely created his own YouTube video on his YouTube Channel to raise awareness about the cancer in young teenagers.

Steve, who has only recently been given the all clear for cancer himself and who has a young son of his own, was instantly touched by Liam’s story and has rallied round to do everything he can to help him and his family.

The family have a GoFundMe page which has raised many thousands of pounds as Liam faces spending all of his time now at Manchester Children’s Hospital and Stanmore Hospital in London undergoing lengthy treatment for the cancer.

MISSION: Steve Barton 

As well as helping to fund special wishes for Liam in the past, it is hoped funds now will help pay for pioneering treatment for the teenager too. 

“Liam’s story really touched me and hit me personally, he does look a bit like my own son and having just been given the all clear from cancer myself, I wanted to do all I could to help him,” explained Steve.

Steve’s efforts to date have so far provided a signed Manchester United Ronaldo picture and football.

But his dearest wish is that a United or City footballing star will ultimately visit Liam at the children’s hospital in Manchester to make all his dreams come true.

“That is the goal and hopefully we can make that happen as the word spreads about Liam,” said Steve, who has been pushing to make the dream a reality by spreading the story on his own Facebook page and speaking with as many contacts as possible.

“Time really is of the essence,” added Steve.

Liam’s mum Jodie says Liam has undergone major surgery for the cancer, but tragically there is no cure.

“We are back fundraising to give Liam and all the family amazing memories together, to try drugs not available in this country to look into finding new treatments... looking for a miracle,” she stated.

If you would like to donate to help Liam you can visit https://gofund.me/e313b28d 

A fundraiser for Liam is being organised at Oaklands Hall, Hyde, on June 9 from 7.30pm with a DJ, raffles and potato pie. 

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