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Last year began like any other normal year but my families world changed suddenly exactly one year ago. The above photo is myself and my brother (Martin) just a couple of weeks into his treatment for testicular cancer.

Martin was not content with the more common type of testicular cancer, oh no - he had to have a rare, aggressive type which had by now spread to his lungs. At 52 he was also not in the 'classic' age range for this type of cancer but he has always been somewhat a rarity!!

Many hours of googling later and the news was not good with the prognosis uncertain. This was a new challenge for the oncologists too as they had no experience of treating this rare form of testicular cancer. Hope lay with Professor Einhorn in America who is the leading world expert in this field. Amazingly my brother tracked him down, emailed him and had a reply to say he was willing to help!

A few months of fairly brutal chemotherapy followed with each treatment taking a harsher toll on his body.Despite this his positivity never wavered and each round of chemotherapy was seen as another blast to stop those cancer cells dead in their tracks.

One year on and I'm pleased to say that the treatment so far has seemingly worked and are fingers are very much crossed that this remains so. The only lasting effect my brother has from the chemotherapy is neuropathy (loss of sensation) in his feet which is worse some days more than others. This is why walking up Snowdon for him will be a true mountain challenge but one he is determined to do..

Throughout the diagnosis, treatment and beyond my brother has been helped and supported by 'Checkemlads' a dedicated Testicular Cancer charity. This great charity put him in touch with others who have been in that exact same position who were able to offer very valuable help and advice. Being able to communicate through a forum with others going through a similar experience helped him feel less alone.As his treatment progressed he then felt able to offer help and support to others at the very beginning of their journey - something which he is still actively doing today.

One of 'Checkemlads' main aims is get the message out to young men about the importance of checking themselves regularly. This is by no means easy as unlike most cancers, Testicular Cancer is most common in 18 - 34 year olds. Who at age 18 is worried about cancer? They are too busy enjoying life, finding love and believing they are invincible. 'Checkemlads' know this and train volunteers to go into schools, colleges, universities, military camps and anywhere young men gather to try and get the message across. They also post video clips on both Social Media and YouTube at times research has shown to be mainly used by men in this age range. Did you know a donation of just 10p allows them to post one YouTube ad?

If caught early Testicular Cancer has an incredibly good outcome but sadly for some the diagnosis comes too late. Please give what you can so more young men can become aware  they are in an 'at risk' age group and that they need to be 'Checkin 'em lads'. Please also give so they can continue their valuable work in advising and supporting young men and their families both before, during and after a Testicular Cancer diagnosis.

Thank you for reading our story.

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