I almost died fighting cancer – now I’m a karate champion, just months after my heart stopped
A KARATE-mad kid who almost died while fighting cancer is back winning medals — while competing in a wheelchair.
Vilis Fortsmanis, 14, took up the martial arts para version because nerve damage in his legs makes it hard for him to stand up.
And the brave lad became a Scottish champion less than a year after his heart stopped beating in hospital.
Vilis, of Inverness, took up the sport at seven and competed in the Commonwealth Championships in 2022.
But after falling ill, doctors found he had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
In January last year, he suffered a cardiac failure.
Medics battled for five minutes to revive him as his devastated mum Liana, 52, and dad Girts, 47, stood outside the ward and prayed.
After Vilis was released from hospital last September he went back to his local Karate Alba Federation club.
But due to the effects of his ordeal, his ‘sensei’, or teacher, Dolina Ross, suggested he use his wheelchair.
She said: “I had never taught this karate before but we worked it out.”
Most read in Health
Despite still getting chemo, Vilis goes to classes twice a week.
He won a gold medal at the Scottish Championships and another top award last month.
Dolina said: “Vilis is amazing.
"We thought we’d lost him but he bounced back. All he could think about was karate and returning to class.”
Mum Liana added: “I’m so proud of him. Karate has helped him in a big way — he has never stopped fighting.”
Vilis plans to become an instructor. He said: “Karate kept me positive. I’ll never give up.”
