AFTER being diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 25, one Trowbridge man will be taking on a mammoth cycling challenge this weekend to raise money for the charity that supported him through his treatment.

Dan Speich will be one of 24 riders taking part in Le Tour de Balls 300-mile charity cycle ride over the weekend for testicular cancer charity It’s in the Bag.

Co-founder of The Graphic Mill in North Bradley, who design creative displays for retail spaces, exhibitions and events, Mr Speich, of Islington, Trowbridge, said he was first inspired to take part at the start of the year.

“Back in May 2014, I was diagnosed and the charity helped me quite a lot in terms of support so in the months that followed I said I would help them in return by doing all their graphic work,” the 27-year-old added.

“The charity is about raising awareness and they wanted some graphics for this charity bike ride which gave me the idea – what if I took part as well.

“I am not a cyclist at all and I only started in January so I didn’t realise how much of a challenge it would be.”

As well as raising money for It’s in the Bag, Mr Speich is also hoping that the cycle will raise awareness of testicular cancer, particularly among young men.

He said: “The thing is with testicular cancer is that if you catch it early, it isn’t a bad thing to get better from but if you’re shy about it, you will be in trouble.

“Finding out was quite a shock really because when you go to the doctors you don’t expect to hear that.

“It is surprising what you can’t do for the first few weeks following treatment but the support has been brilliant.”

Along the ride, Mr Speich along with other survivors, doctors and family members, the team will visit towns across the south west starting off at Penzance, Torquay, Taunton, Weston Super Mare and then Bristol. During this time, the team will be visiting referring hospitals to the Bristol Testicular Cancer Service.

The event will culminate with a final ride on Bank Holiday Monday and a big party at Hallen Football Club.

To donate, visit https://tour-de-balls2016.everydayhero.com/uk/dan