The hurdles we face in life shape us into the people we are today.

"At the age of 22, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, 5 years into my career as a professional rugby player. Never in my wildest dreams was I expecting to hear those words. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the battle both physically and mentally that were to follow in the coming months. I was left with question marks as to what it meant for my future, my career.

Little did I know, less than a year down the line I would be able to return to normal, back playing rugby and living life as if it never happened. However, there were definitely lessons to be learnt. My biggest message would be to get checked. If you’re uncertain or feel an abnormality, don’t be ashamed to talk to a doctor. Leading on from this, talk to your friends and family. The stigma surrounding cancer creates a vacuum of silence. The more we can rely on our support network, the easier the road to recovery. I will always be thankful to my support network, The Teenage Cancer Trust, and the doctors and nurses who have helped me to come back from this set back.

I want to be able to continue the conversation and raise awareness. To help other men, who were in a similar situation, to know that life does not stop with the news. That once on the road to recovery there is a whole life worth fighting for. The hurdles we face in life shape us into the people we are today. They teach us lessons and help us to grow. This is how I now see my battle against testicular cancer and I hope I can help other men to do the same."