In April 2018, I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. Following the operation to remove the affected testicle, I was referred to the Velindre Hospital in Cardiff. The care and support I received was second to none, and the staff here are amazing, they always know the right thing to say and how to make you laugh and smile when days get tough. After a number of tests, bloods and scans I received further news that the cancer had spread to my groin & abdomen. Unsure of what to expect and what would happen, I was signposted to Checkemlads Testicular Cancer charity and support group by one of the nurses at Velindre Hospital.

After joining their Facebook group I was immediately contacted by the charities founder Philly Moggs. After discussing my results and prognosis, he was able to talk me through my likely treatment plan and ease me into the battle I was about to face. Not having known anyone who had gone through this before or having any idea what to expect next, was one of the hardest challenges along with the long periods of waiting that I have now become accustomed to. There were so many things I wanted to ask my oncologist but every time I met him I just froze and just sat there nodding and agreeing.

This is where Checkemlads really helped and supported me, the group is made up of members that have recently been diagnosed, going through treatment themselves at the moment and those that have gone through the battle and have beaten testicular cancer. The group gave me a platform and an arena in which I felt comfortable knowing that I wouldn’t get judged to ask questions, get answers and more importantly come to terms with the life changing impact of having cancer.

During treatment (chemo), I was lying on the sofa too weak to get up, having to crawl up the stairs on times, whilst carrying around a sick bucket. My energy was solely focussed on whether I was going to watch tipping point or homes under the hammer (maybe jezza kyle). An advert came on the television one day, I can’t remember what advert but it showed a picture of a snow covered mountain, and that is when I decided I was GOING TO CLIMB EVEREST !!!

After a little bit of research I realised Everest was a pretty big mountain, and only 20 mins earlier I was on my hands and knees crawling up the stairs. So after some careful consideration I decided I would try Everest Base Camp First.

The support I’ve received during treatment by all the staff, consultants and volunteers at Velindre has really helped during some difficult times and likewise without the guidance and knowledge of the Checkemlads group things would have been a lot tougher. I’m grateful for all the help I’ve received by both charities over the last 15 months and I feel really blessed that I’m able to embark on this challenge and raise vital funds for both charities to continue the great work they do, they really did make a massive difference to me and my situation.

I was initially set to take on this challenge on my own, but from the outset I have fought this battle with a group of really close mates. They have been with me through it all, crying with me, laughing with me and always there to cheer me up with the constant banter. When I told them about doing this they all wanted to get involved, most wanted to climb it with me, some just happy to cheer me on. Unfortunately work and family commitments restricted most but 7 of us are now all set and ready to go this September. We are under no illusion as to how tough this will be, some of us haven’t even climbed Pen Y Fan yet (Harry) but we are all ready to give it everything and push through to reach base camp

Please, please, please help us by donating to our challenge. We have all paid for the trip ourselves and 100% of what we raise will be split equally between both charities.