A retired carpenter and Doctor Who fanatic has created a full-sized Dalek to support life-saving cancer research.
Martin Williams, from east Leeds, was told to head straight to A&E after his kidneys stopped functioning properly due to an enlarged prostate. Further investigations revealed he had advanced prostate cancer.
Diagnosed in 2020, the 73-year-old decided to put his passion for woodwork to create something truly out-of-this-world and help raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
He said he was proud the creation, due to be sold at auction, “will help fund research that saves lives in Yorkshire”.
Born and raised in Leeds with a carpentry career spanning five decades, Williams has made a number of projects for his family, friends and the wider community – and can now add the Doctor’s nemesis to his impressive portfolio.
“It had such a striking shape, and I knew exactly what type of wood I would use to recreate it,” Williams said.
“I could see the sculpture in my head before I’d even started.”
However, in 2020, plans had to be put on hold when Williams found out he had cancer.
“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,” he said.
