A MANCHESTER father who survived testicular cancer will take part in the Christie Tower Run this weekend to help fund a state-of-the-art Integrated Procedures Unit which will have a huge impact on cancer patients throughout the North West.
Dad Mark Lear, 36, was left devastated when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2015 but Christie’s specialists took care of him and now he wants to help them help others.
Mark said: “I found a lump on my testicle. I knew I would have to go the GP to have this checked out further which would be a daunting experience, but I pushed myself to make an appointment and from there I was referred for an ultrasound scan.
“The scan showed a lump and so I referred to the urologist who was able to confirm my worst fears, they had found two pure seminoma cancer tumours which had been caught early.
“I underwent surgery to remove the testicle. The operation is called an orchiectomy, and also chemotherapy to help prevent the cancer coming back.”
Dad Mark who works as a gardener, said he is looking forward to climbing the 798 steps at Beetham Towers this Sunday, though he knows it will be a tough challenge.
He hopes his story will encourage people to donate to his fundraising appeal.
“I am extremely grateful to Christie’s for the support and care they gave me and my family. This inspired me to join this year’s Christie Tower Run and to raise funds for their new specially designed building which will unite all day-case services under one roof, helping to reduce waiting times and overnight stays, giving patients more time to spend with their family and friends.
“I also want to raise awareness of testicular cancer, which can be a taboo subject for men, and encourage more males to self-check and to see a GP if they have any worries.”
The Christie Tower Run will take place on Sunday 26th February from 10am–2pm.
Alex Cooke from Braemar Estates currently holds the record of five minutes and 19 seconds to run to the top of the Beetham Tower. The top three finishers will gain exclusive access to the Beetham Tower roof and the fastest finisher will win Foot Asylum vouchers and a gym membership for Pure Gym.
Registration is £20 and everyone who takes part must raise a minimum sponsorship of £175. Anyone interested in taking part can go to www.christies.org/towerrun to sign up today.
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