15th January 2022

Please read my short story. Your time is much appreciated.

It is two days from my 30th Birthday, I now feel incredibly lucky looking back on 2021, but this time last year things were looking very different. After weeks of blood tests and scans it was found that I had a testicular tumour, which at the time was believed to be non-cancerous. It is now one year to the day since I had an operation to remove this suspected tumour; ultimately without this medical intervention I could be staring down a very different path right now! Upon laboratory analysis it turned out to be an aggressive form of cancer. Subsequently, I had to start treatment very quickly. Luckily, because it had been caught so early it meant that I only required one cycle (21 days) of chemotherapy to prevent the cancer returning and to remove any cancer that may have been undetected in my body. I continue to have regular visits to Guys Hospital for continued monitoring, but I can very much say that everything is looking great; I am fit, healthy and free from cancer.

However, at the time of the chemotherapy, it was mid-pandemic, the country was in lockdown. No one was allowed to attend the chemotherapy with me due to this. I was scared, but I believed I was mentally prepared for what laid ahead. However, at the end of day one the chemotherapy took a toll on my body. My parents picked me up from the hospital, within minutes of getting in the car, I had passed out and had a seizure, and rushed back to hospital. The following day the nurses were brilliant providing extra support and care to stop this from happening again. I’m pleased to say that I got through the next 21 days, and whilst it was extremely tough, taking a huge toll on my body, the nurses provided superb care.

I wanted to share my story, not to scare others, but to encourage you all to check yourselves and not be embarrassed to talk about personal problems. More often than not it will be something that is easily treatable, but if it is not, early detection is lifesaving. Life is precious and a quick visit to the doctors can make all the difference!

Whilst I was incredibly lucky with my life returning to normal; back to work and getting married this year, sadly for many others this isn't the case. This is why Sophie, Shane and I are running the Brighton Marathon with the aim of raising money to support the Guys & St Thomas Charity. This charity does so much from supporting pioneering new treatments, to helping to provide exceptional care, to supporting the nurses and doctors.

The care I received at Guys Hospital was exceptional. Very few people in life can be called heroes, but nurses, doctors and all the supporting staff definitely qualify for this title. Supporting this charity helps to support them. Anything that you can give will make a difference.

It goes without saying that the support from my friends and family is completely invaluable.

Thank You,

Troy x