I was first diagnosed with Testicular Cancer when I was just 25. I went to the doctors because things weren't right; I seemed to be bigger on one side than the other. I was sent straight for tests. Within 24 hours of being diagnosed with testicular cancer I had the swollen testicle removed. I was devastated, and had to face the probably that I would never have children, this was the hardest part.

I received radiotherapy treatment at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, this made me tired and sick. However, the nurse who helped me through my treatment also introduced me to my beautiful future wife.
We wanted to start a family but knew the chances of having children were slim, just 4%. We were considering IVF treatment when my wife fell pregnant with my daughter, who is now aged five. Two years later my wife fell pregnant again with my son. This was like a miracle to us and I am thankful for them everyday.

Having come through my illness, everything seemed to be going well. Little did I know that I would have to face it all again.

I was diagnosed for the second time with testicular cancer in August 1999.

My world was shattered once again.

Having a double removal felt really strange, I was offered prosthetic surgery but I turned it down. Then, after a while I decided to have the implants, provided they could give me the Dolly Partons of testicles!
Although I didn't get the larger set I had jokingly asked for, I felt better about myself and gained some confidence back. It is not just your confidence levels that drop when you have a double removal; your hormone levels drop as well. I had so little testosterone in my body that it made me strong and aggressive. I know exactly what women go through with PMT!

I tried so many treatments to combat these hormonal side effects, but none of them worked. Then Velindre Hospital referred me to The University Hospital of Wales. Here I was put on a special case study for hormone levels. I now have a hormonal injection every fortnight at my local doctor's surgery. It is a great improvement on all the other treatments and I feel back to my usual self most of the time.

I am now feeling fit and well and am determined to turn my experiences positive, by making a difference to others who are affected by cancer.

I am pledging to raise £100,000 for Tenovus the cancer charity, for the work they do in patient care and the National Freephone Cancer Helpline (08 08 808 10 10) both of which my family and I found comfort, advice and support in, during my diagnosis and treatment. 35 years old and a recovering Testicular Cancer patient.