An Edinburgh dad feared he wouldn’t be able to see his infant son grow up after a lump turned out to be testicular cancer.
Neil Woodley had to endure months of chemotherapy after being given the devastating diagnosis.
But thankfully the now dad-of-two, has since been given the all-clear and now he is urging others to check for lumps.
Speaking about his experience, he said: "I noticed a lump and decided to get it checked out – and I’m glad I did.
“My GP referred me to a specialist at The Western straight away. It all happened pretty quickly.
"It was a really scary time, especially as my son Arlo was only a baby at the time. I couldn't help thinking about his future, and hoping I'd be there for him.
"I had surgery and one course of chemo as part of my treatment, and I was in the clear by summer the same year.
"I'm so grateful to the NHS and everyone who looked after me along the way - I really felt I was in the best hands possible.
A year after he was diagnosed in 2018, Neil ran the Edinburgh half marathon and now he is planning to challenge himself to his first full marathon for a good cause.
Neil hopes to raise vital funds in aid of Edinburgh-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research- which he joined last year as head of philanthropy and partnerships after a ten-year career in recruitment, reports the Daily Record.
The dad will join the charity’s 25-strong team of runners in London this October.
He said: “I love being part of the team at Worldwide Cancer Research. Not only am I right at the heart of the charity’s ambitious journey to start cancer cures by funding new and ground-breaking research projects, but I'm helping create a world without cancer - for me and my family but also for society as a whole. It's an amazing feeling.
"The research we fund now could be the next life changing - and lifesaving - discovery helping those living with cancer in the future.
"I hated running for most of my life but I've grown to love it. It's a real escape – I’ll lose myself in a good podcast or playlist and just go for it.
"My first proper run was a 5k around the Kelpies. I was a complete novice - it was a freezing night and I showed up in a t-shirt, shorts and really bad trainers while everyone else was wearing full length thermal gear.
"Running the London Marathon is firmly on my bucket list so it’s a real milestone for me.
“And I’m especially proud to join the growing number of Curestarters who are supporting Worldwide Cancer Research with their incredible fundraising efforts.
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“Every step along the route means we’re one step closer to helping people that are living with cancer – that’s what will keep me going.
”To support Neil's fundraising, go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilWoodley
