Fraudsters steal hundreds of pounds from 11-year-old cancer patient Billy

Billy Green, 11, is undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia at Leeds General Infirmary, and has spent more than two months in hospital with dad Martin. Mum Lisa said that he had hoped to adopt a puppy when he returned from treatment, and, using money donated by friends and family, had paid a £250 deposit towards a dog. But the family were devastated to find out that the seller had disappeared with their money, and they would not be receiving their puppy. Lisa said: "Billy's been wanting a sausage dog for years, and people raised some money for him when he relapsed. "He's been after one for years, a little sausage dog. He just loves little dogs because he's quite caring. The amount of clothes he's brought this dog is unbelievable. It's got a dressing gown, it's got toys, a little bed, a basket. "Every day I get a parcel come, it's just unreal. "We went on the site where we've bought and sold dogs in the past. They said we could have a viewing in July so we sent the deposit. "We've rang the fraud squad. But we got a letter from the bank through saying they're not going to give us the money back. "I think [the fraudsters] have just got away with it." Billy was previously diagnosed with cancer when he was just three years old, and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment. After a relapse, he received a bone marrow transplant from younger sister Willow, and was eventually given the all clear. But more than five years later, he began to complain of pain in his knee, and in November last year, the family's worst fears were confirmed - his cancer had returned. Billy has been in and out of hospital since his diagnosis, and earlier this year received well-wishes from singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi. His current hospital stay has gone on for more than two months. Apart from a handful of day visits, Lisa and Willow have been able to see him only by video call, while they stay in lockdown at home in Kettlethorpe. The stress of the scam has been an additional struggle for the family during the difficult time. Lisa says she wants people to be aware of the dangers of buying pets online. "I thought I was clever enough not to get scammed," she said. "I just feel for all those people who get their life savings taken from them. "I was so gutted from him, he was obviously devastated. "It's not the end of the world, it's just we wanted to make other people aware of not being scammed out of things. "There are more good people than bad, but you've got to be aware. Be careful, especially now because more people seem to want to buy dogs because of lockdown. "I don't want it to happen to somebody else. I was more angry that it was money good people had given to Billy." The family have since been in contact with a new breeder, and hope to adopt a puppy in the coming months. You can follow Billy's story on his Facebook page here. Friends have also launched a fundraising page to support the family during Billy's treatment, which can be viewed here.