In April this year I found a lump, that was later diagnosed as cancer.

I'll spare everyone the details, but I had to endure 9 intense weeks of chemo as well as surgery. Fortunately, I got through it and was given the all clear.

Throughout my treatment, my colleagues within the Fire Service, including the Fire Fighters Charity, offered fantastic support. Although I had only been working there a few months, the words of one of my colleagues stuck with me... "it doesn't matter whether you've been with us a few weeks or years. You'll get the same support".... they were true to their word!

Following my treatment, getting back to into the swing of life was a challenge. After 9 weeks of fighting the physical effects of chemo, I got sepsis. This led to me spending 3 nights in hospital. Then the psychological effects kicked in.

Leaving the house then became a huge effort. That was until the football season started. The urge to get back to football was enough to drag me out the house. Being back on the touchline was like the reset button being pressed.

As a way of saying thankyou to my colleagues, the Fire Fighters Charity and the Cosmos boys, who have played a huge part in my treatment and recovery, I have donated training shirts to all the players within the squad. Each shirt will be sponsored by the Fire Fighters Charity to help raise awareness for this great charity.

I am hoping that those reading this can collectively match my donation of the training shirts by helping me raise £600 for the charity.

I'd also take the opportunity to drop in a reminder that, if you think there is something wrong, get yourselves checked