Family and friends of cancer victim Billy Lee have been blown away by people’s generosity after donations totalling more than £35,000 have been given in just three weeks.

Cambs Times: Billy Lee at home in Wisbech St Mary.Billy Lee at home in Wisbech St Mary. (Image: Archant)

The Billy Lee ‘Get Back on His Own Two Feet’ fund was launched with the aim of raising £70,000.

The 20-year-old lost his right leg when surgeons amputated it to remove a tumour the size of a small can of baked beans.

The money is needed to buy the apprentice electrician a ‘bionic’ leg to enable him to enjoy a normal life.

Proud parents Rebecca (Bex) and Spencer Lee have been overwhelmed by the support for the fund which has seen cash and offers of fundraising events flood in.

Mrs Lee said: “It is unbelievable. We are completely blown away by the generosity of people.

“We never imagined we would be hitting the half-way mark within just three weeks, we are truly stunned.

“To be honest I am speechless, and it is not often that happens.”

The fund’s Facebook page has been full of people offering support and urging Billy to stay strong as he continues his chemotherapy treatment.

Mrs Lee said Billy is coping really well and has not allowed his illness to hold him back from enjoying time out with his mates and girlfriend Shirley.

She said donations through the Gofundme website have started to slow but there are over 44 fundraising events planned over the coming months.

Mrs Lee said: “We are definitely going to hit our target, there is no doubt about that and the way it is going Billy will not have to worry about the cost of maintenance for a while either.”

There was a small scare on Tuesday night when it was thought someone was trying to muscle-in on the fundraising by launching a separate page for Billy on the Gofundme website, but a hurried Facebook appeal tracked down the girl responsible.

“We thought she’d had her Facebook account hacked or that she was possibly dodgy but it turned out she was just trying to help,” said Mrs Lee.

“She wants to record a single for Billy and is now looking at the costings, which is great.”

Billy will have his next round of chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Monday. Treatment had to be delayed after he contracted a chest infection which caused his white blood count to drop.

Mrs Lee said: “He was frustrated about that because he just wants to get on with it, but apart from that he is doing really well.

“He has had to deal with an awful lot in such a short space of time, but we are so proud of him and the way he has handled everything.”