Take part in Walk 60 Miles in March for young people with cancer 🧡

Every day, seven young people ages 13-24 hear the words you have cancer, They will each need specialised nursing care and support to get them through it. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to meeting this vital need so no young person faces cancer alone.

Blake was 19 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was helped by Teenage Cancer Trust.

Blake found a lump in one of his testicles and had to wait a month for his ultrasound. In that time ‘the lump grew and became more sinister’. A scan confirmed that he had cancer. Blake said “Because my mum had had cancer and was so strong willed and got through it, I felt confident that I would be ok. I was upset, but I tried to get on with it.”

“Danielle, one of Teenage Cancer Trust’s Clinical Nurse Specialists, came to visit me at my house and told me all about the charity and the support they could offer. She also told me that the charity ran social events which I could attend once I was well enough.

“I’d previously had my appendix out, so I wasn’t too worried about going in for surgery. I had it at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and they looked after me really well.

“I had three months off work to recover, and went back in January 2023. I was having regular check-ups and when I had my blood test in April, I was told that my levels had risen. They did a few tests, and my levels were going up and down. I had a scan in May, and it showed that my lymph nodes and abdomen were inflamed".

Blake had surgery but was sad to still be told he needed chemo.

"I was told that I would need chemo. It was a massive blow. They had told me there was a chance I’d still need it, but I was still wounded. Every time I had prepared for the best, but I got knocked back. The thought of losing my hair really upset me. I already had a massive scar down my body and now I was going to be bald.

“I thought that I should make the most of the opportunity and meet other people my age with cancer, so I decided to go to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Freeman Hospital. It was definitely a great decision. The unit was really nice, and the staff were amazing. Danielle and Gemma, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Youth Support Coordinator, were both lovely. It made my treatment easier.

“Danielle also offered support to the rest of my family. I was surprised as I thought they would only be able to support me because I was the one with cancer, but I was really happy that they could help everyone. They recognised the impact it could have on the whole family.

“I went back to work in January 2024. I do quite physical tasks and it was a case of building myself back up to carry out a full day’s work. The people I’m working with look after me though.

“Life has mostly got back to normal, and I’ve enjoyed going to music festivals, holidays and playing sport, although my fitness isn’t quite what it was. I’ve got to realise that I’ve had two operations and chemo, so I won’t be the same, but I’ve left it a while, so now I’m going to start going back to the gym".

Thank you so much for your support. By taking on this challenge you can help support other young people like Blake 🧡

You can make a direct donation to the challenge by clicking on the 'Give Now' button.

If you haven't already, make sure to join our Facebook group for the challenge and find support from like-minded people in the group.