As some of you will know already, when I was 22 I was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer. I was one of the lucky ones, despite the fact that my cancer had spread into my lymph nodes and one of my lungs, i had an orchidectomy and chemotherapy and have thankfully been in remission ever since. Not everyone is so lucky. In my job I come across men every week who are affected by male specific cancers, not just testicular but prostate and penile cancers too.
On the 30th of July 2017 I will be taking on the Ride London, LondonSurrey100 to raise money for the male cancer charity Orchid.
Over 50,000 men are diagnosed every year in the UK with testicular, prostate and penile cancer. Orchid is the UK’s leading charity working in the area of male-specific cancers and provides support to people affected by or interested in these cancers through funding a world-class research programme, awareness and education campaigns and a range of vital support services. These services include Male Cancer Information Nurse Specialists, a freephone National Male Cancer Helpline and a portfolio of publications including a schools resource pack. However, there is still more work to be done and demand for these services is increasing year on year. The charity relies entirely on voluntary income to meet its commitments.
Any donations received will be very gratefully received and 100% of them will go to Orchid to help to treat male specific cancers. I was lucky, not everyone is.