In June 2011 I found a lump on my left testicle after a few trips to the GP I had an ultrasound and was told that I had to have a testicle removed.

Days later "lefty" was no longer with us and my recovery from surgery began while waiting for the biopsy results. The recovery from surgery wasn't without its issues, with the wound getting infected amongst other things, and then I had to go to the hospital. My worst fears were confirmed, it was Testicular Cancer.

The cancer had spread into the lymph nodes in my back and the only option I had was to begin 9 weeks of a very aggressive form of chemotherapy. The usual side effects followed. I lost all my hair, I was weak and felt sick a lot of the time.

All of this was against a back drop of my wife, Helen, being 7 months pregnant with our son Charlie. Charlie was due to be born the day I finished my chemotherapy. However due to complications he came a lot earlier. I was able to be at the birth, but due to being so premature Charlie had to stay in special care at the hospital for 3 weeks.

During this time I was still going through chemotherapy knowing Charlie was in hospital and Helen was still recovery from a difficult birth. These times were incredibly hard...but we got through it.

At the beginning of November 2011, after many tests and scans I was given the all clear from the Big C. 100% response from my body and I no longer had cancer. Charlie was coming home shortly after this and Helen was improving all the time.

There were times where I couldn't have got through this without the staff at the BRI Hospital, in particular it's Oncology department. To put it bluntly these people saved my life. Now I feel it is time for me to give something back.

I am doing the The 3 Peaks Challenge on 1st June 2012. The challenge takes in the summits of Ben Nevis (Scotland 1344m), Scafell Pike (England 978m) and Snowdon (Wales 1085m) in that order within in a 24 hour time period, driving between each location. It covers 450 miles by vehicle and 26 miles of hill walking with 10,000ft of ascent and descent.

Please give generously and share my story and request for support with as many people as you can. All the money raised will make a real difference to the charity and help save more lives like mine.

Thank you for all your love and support.

Alex