Lewis’s Story: Life With a Rare Bone Cancer, Cool Crutches & Confidence on Screen
When we first met Lewis, we couldn’t help but be inspired. At just 23, he’s already achieved so much actor, musician, advocate, and all-round legend. Living with an ultra-rare form of bone cancer and chronic pain, Lewis’s journey has been anything but straightforward.
We love seeing him represent the disability community with so much humour and honesty. From breaking barriers on TV sets to smashing stereotypes on social media, we couldn’t wait to dive deeper into his story so we could share it with you.
My Story
Hey! I’m Lewis, I’m 23 and I live in Yeovil, a town in Somerset best known for building helicopters (fun fact of the day!) I’m a drummer through and through, music’s my passion, and my brother and I are starting a band together. My dream is to become a touring musician.
When I was 8 years old, I was diagnosed with a 1% rare bone cancer called Adamantinoma, as well as a 2% rare bone disease called Osteo Fibrous Dysplasia in the same leg. My journey has been far from simple, there’s no handbook for conditions like mine, or any disability really as it affects every body differently!
I’ve spent years in and out of hospitals, with countless doctors trying to figure out the best way forward. My conditions are incurable, and the only way to become cancer-free would be through a pretty intense surgery, which I’m not ready for right now, physically or mentally. Instead, I’m under active monitoring with my specialist in Oxford to make sure things don’t progress dangerously.
It hasn’t been easy. The pain, the anxiety, the mobility issues, they’re still very real. But over time, I’ve learned to see the good too. My conditions have given me perspective, resilience, and a chance to help others in the next generation who are going through something similar. It’s not all bad, in fact, it’s shaped who I am!
From NHS Crutches to Cool Crutches
I’ve used crutches for most of my life, but until recently, they were just another source of pain. The NHS crutches I had were uncomfortable, clunky, and left my hands raw. It’s wild to me that something so essential for so many people can still be so painful to use.
Then came my Black Leather Effect Cool Crutches, and honestly, it was a total game-changer. For the first time ever, I had crutches that didn’t hurt. The ergonomic handles, the comfortable grips, the sleek look, everything about them just worked.
I actually discovered Cool Crutches thanks to a friend who got tired of hearing me complain about my NHS ones! He’d been using them for years, so I decided to give them a go. I’ll never forget the first time I saw them, bright, bold, and nothing like medical equipment.
When you’ve had grey, clinical crutches covered in stickers since you were a kid, switching to something stylish and empowering feels incredible. They don’t just help me move, they make me feel like me.
Finding My Voice & Managing My Mental Health
Living with a rare condition can be isolating, and I’ve definitely had my dark days. What helps me most is drumming, it’s how I process emotion, release frustration, and keep myself grounded.
Music’s always been my outlet, but I also lean on my family. Talking helps. It’s simple, but it saved my life. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give anyone struggling mentally or emotionally, it’s to talk. Even when it feels impossible. In fact, especially then.
Disability, Society & Stigma
As someone who’s grown up disabled, I’ve seen more failings from society than I care to count. But I’ve also seen progress, people are starting to listen and learn.
There’s still a lot of stigma. Because I have cancer, people sometimes treat me like I’m about to drop dead any second. It’s horrible. Disability shouldn’t be seen as weakness, we’re not fragile, we’re adaptable.
What society needs is education and empathy. Uplift, don’t pity. I truly believe small acts of understanding can completely change how disabled people experience the world.
I’m actually working on an idea right now to help anxious patients prepare for surgery. I can’t say too much yet, but it’s something I’m really passionate about!
Work, Creativity & TV Adventures
My career journey actually started because of my disability. In 2015, when I was 14, I broke my leg badly and was told I’d never walk again. I was stuck in a hospital bed in my parents’ living room, bored out of my mind, so I started a YouTube gaming channel!
That channel changed everything. I taught myself to edit videos, design graphics, and build confidence. Over time, it led to freelance video editing work, and now I’m also growing my advocacy platform, Let’s Be Wheel, which focuses on supporting others with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
I’m also a part-time actor, and that’s been one of the most exciting parts of my journey. It all started with an open casting for the film 1917, which I couldn’t take part in due to my leg, but it sparked something. I signed up with agencies, and soon I was landing roles in major TV shows!
My first appearance was in the BBC drama The Gold, playing a prisoner (not my finest hour, but great fun!). Since then, I’ve worked on:
- BBC comedy Boarders (three seasons so far!)
- Doctor Who in an episode with an entirely disabled cast
- Mothers Pride
- Rivals for Disney+
- And even a metal music video for Bleed From Within who recently toured with Slipknot! Honestly… wild.
Being on set gives me freedom and purpose. It’s hard work, but I love it, especially meeting other creatives who just get it.
My Go-To Disability Tips
If I could recommend one thing to anyone new to mobility aids, it’s hand sanitiser. It might sound random, but you’d be shocked at how much grime gets on your hands from wheels, crutches, or walking aids. Keep it clean, keep it safe.
Also, invest in mobility aids that work for you, not just what’s offered. Comfort and independence aren’t luxuries; they’re essentials.
What’s Next
I’m currently working on Disney Plus’s Rivals (super secret, so my lips are sealed!) and possibly an F1 x Lego Gameshow soon, which sounds epic.
On the advocacy side, I’m merging my gaming YouTube channel (now at 15,000 subscribers!) with Let’s Be Wheel to build a bigger, more inclusive space for disabled gamers and creatives.
My goal has always been to show that disability doesn’t stop you, it just makes you adapt. Whether I’m drumming, acting, editing, or rolling into a new adventure, I’m living proof that you can build a life that works for you!
Lewis, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your positivity, creativity, humour and drive are seriously inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!
If you’d like to follow Lewis’s journey, you can find him on TikTok at @LetsBeWheel.
If you'd like to read more inspiring stories from our community and helpful tips on living with a disability, then try these:
