Real life stories
Simon Shakeshaft (‘Shakey’)
I was diagnosed with testicular cancer when I was 24. I had felt an occasional throbbing ache in one testicle, had some discomfort in my abdomen and lower back and was also feeling lethargic.
At that time I was ignorant of male cancers but not embarrassed to visit my doctor. Cancer was diagnosed and had reached a secondary stage. I needed surgery and chemotherapy and recovered fully.
My brush with cancer changed my outlook on life and I decided to retrain to become a physiotherapist. When I was 37 and whilst working as a physiotherapist at Shrewsbury Town FC the cancer returned. This time I recognised the symptoms and went to my doctor immediately, but again it had progressed and I underwent further chemotherapy.
Due to the nature of my work I am in the unique position of being able to talk to other men about my illness, and help spread the word about how important it is to look out of the signs and symptoms and not be embarrassed to speak to your GP if you are worried.
Shakey has been a tireless campaigner for Everyman's Keep Your Eye On The Ball Campaign, even throughout his illnesses. He is passionate about raising awareness of male cancer and his close ties with football allowed him, at the end of 2005, to embark on a 'ground hop challenge' tour of all 116 top flight professional football clubs, to raise awareness within the football community. He gets his message over through talks to players and club staff members, an ongoing project he continues to this day.
I'm lucky that I was working somewhere where health and fitness were so important. It's important to raise awareness amongst men who might not find going to the doctor so easy.
Simon ‘Shakey’ Shakeshaft
