In April last year, after a few months of not feeling the best I decided to go to the doctors. I was told that everything was fine but as a precaution it was best if I was booked in for a routine scan to get things checked. Four months passed, and I was finally booked in for a scan.

I remember the 48hrs after the scan like it was yesterday. I had the scan and trotted off to my normal day at work. Later that afternoon I received a phone call from my GP saying that I need to go to hospital the following day for a full body scan and blood tests and that I should ‘buckle up for what’s to come’. I will never forget this.

After a sleepless night, I started work and my phone would not stop ringing. Different doctors calling, booking in more tests and my GP calling to check on my welfare - I knew something was not right.

A few days passed and many appointments passed and I was booked in for an operation a week later, to have a tumour removed. It was later confirmed to be testicular cancer. At 22 years old, I never expected this.

After several tests, the tumour markers in my blood remained elevated so treatment had to continue and I prepared for Chemotherapy. This was the most difficult thing I have had to face. Nothing can prepare you for the mental and physical challenge of facing this terrible disease but without the support of family and friends, colleagues and Young Lives Vs Cancer, I really don’t know how I would’ve coped. This was a really difficult few months. Having lost my mum to cancer at 17, I would by lying if I said that I hadn’t thought that I could be next.

After Chemotherapy and just before Christmas I was told that my tumour markers had dropped. I was cancer free.

A year later, almost to the day I had Chemo treatment, I will be running the Cardiff Half Marathon to hopefully raise funds for Young Lives Vs Cancer for the amazing support they provide: not just me but for young people living with cancer all over the country.

They don’t just support young people until they’re cancer free but also back into ‘normal’ life. Personally, the months after being ‘all clear’ were the hardest. The appointments slow down and the mental and physical challenge of what you have just faced begins. Even to the day of writing this I am still being supported by them and am so grateful.

Everyday 12 more young people hear the devastating news that they have cancer and Young Lives Vs Cancer support them and their families throughout the challenging journey they’re going to face.

Without donations, Young Lives Vs Cancer wouldn’t be able to support young people like me through their journey. No one should face cancer alone - cancer sucks!

Thank you to everyone who has supported and put up with me throughout this journey. You know who you are, I love you and will forever be in your debt.

Live everyday; be grateful, get to know your body; push for answers and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Whatever you’re going through, talk and help one another. There is light at the end of the tunnel x

Jake x

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk