East Leeds Carpenter’s Dalek to Fund Cancer Research

A 73-year-old carpenter from East Leeds has turned his love of Doctor Who into something extraordinary, creating a life-sized wooden Dalek to raise money for cancer research.

Martin Williams, who has lived in East Leeds for most of his life, spent years recreating one of the science fiction show’s most famous alien villains while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Now his creation, affectionately named Rustic, is set to be auctioned to support Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Martin has worked with wood for more than 50 years, making everything from kitchen fittings to restoring Victorian properties.

He began his career at 15 as an apprentice coach builder and continued working as a carpenter until retiring at 65.

His passion for science fiction eventually inspired him to attempt something different.

A small Dalek figurine in his garden workshop, which he calls ‘The Hive’, gave him the idea to build a full-sized wooden version.

However, his plans took an unexpected turn in 2020 when he became seriously ill.

Blood tests before a planned hernia operation revealed problems with his kidneys. Further investigations at St James’s University Hospital found his bladder was not emptying properly.

His kidney function had fallen to just eight per cent, and Martin was told he had only 12 hours to live.

Emergency treatment improved his condition, but doctors later discovered he had advanced prostate cancer.

Martin underwent hormone treatment and 22 rounds of radiotherapy.

Despite everything, he remained determined to finish his Dalek, this time with a new purpose.

He said: “I just wanted the Dalek to do some good for others. Cancer affects so many people in our region, and I don’t think there are many families who haven’t been touched by it in some way. That’s when I thought the Dalek could be used to fundraise for cancer research in Yorkshire.”

Four years after his diagnosis, Martin completed his treatment and finished Rustic, which he donated to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The sculpture is made from reclaimed pitch pine, including wood believed to be more than 1,000 years old.

It will be sold through a silent auction ahead of the charity’s 2027 Gala Dinner at Castle Howard. Bidding is expected to open in February 2027.

Money raised will help fund cancer research and services across Yorkshire.

These include the IMProVE prostate cancer trial, which will initially involve 4,500 people in Leeds and Sheffield.

Researchers will investigate whether combining blood tests and MRI scans could save lives through earlier detection.

The trial will also explore how screening can reach underserved communities, where men are more likely to receive a late diagnosis.

According to Yorkshire Cancer Research, more than 5,000 men across the region are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, with over half diagnosed at a late stage.

Martin hopes his experience will encourage others to take changes in their health seriously.

He said: “Just because you get to a certain age it doesn’t mean you should accept concerning changes in your body as normal. If it’s making you feel bad, you shouldn’t be afraid to get it checked out with the doctor.”

Sadly, Martin’s cancer returned in November 2025 and has since spread to his lymph nodes and bones. He is now receiving further hormone treatment.

Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that continued research will improve treatment for future patients.

Reflecting on the importance of his creation, Martin said: “Research makes a big difference. I know from personal experience that even making some treatments less aggressive and easier to handle would hugely help. If funds raised from the sale of the Dalek can support research happening in Yorkshire and benefit somebody else in the future, then that’s what matters.”

For Martin, Rustic represents more than a lifetime of woodworking skills. It is an opportunity to turn his personal experience of cancer into something that could help others.