A 25-YEAR-OLD soldier has re-joined his regiment after being given the all clear following a traumatic cancer diagnosis.

Last September, Chris Weekes, from Burnley, was diagnosed after the super fit football fan discovered a lump on one of his testicles while showering.

In his battle to regain his health, Chris underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy at Rosemere Cancer Centre, having been sent home to Burnley to recover.

He said he had never suffered a day’s illness in his life before the diagnosis and had no history of cancer in his family.

Last week, the former Gawthorpe High School student threw a party to celebrate with family and friends and raised £2,066 for Rosemere.

Signaller Chris partied at The Mix café bar and nightclub in Burnley town centre. Top of his guest list were his fiancée Jenny Hardacre, 24 and his proud parents Patrick and Pat Weekes, of Todmorden Road, and his sister Rebecca and nephew Isaac, who had organised fun games and raffles to help him raise funds.

They had also been at his side throughout his treatment for testicular cancer.

Now back with the Royal Corps of Signals, Chris has won the praise of senior officers for speaking out about his cancer in a bid to encourage other young men to spot the danger signs.

Chris said: “There were a multitude of things really that made me go to the doctors.

"The main one was I found a lump on one of my testicles whilst I was showering one day.

“It didn’t hurt. Like all men I thought it would go away.

“I had a week’s leave, went back to camp and noticed that my fitness wasn’t where it was.

"Always check yourself and if you find a suspicious lump, have it checked."

Testicular cancer is the most common cause of cancer in younger men and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50.

Proud mum, Pat, said: “It was devastating when Chris was diagnosed so being able to throw this party was huge for us as a family.

"He will be closely monitored for the next five years but he has handled everything so well and we are tremendously proud of him for wanting to raise money for Rosemere and also, for speaking out about his cancer.

“It’s not an easy subject for a young man to talk about but in doing so, Chris could well help save the lives of other young men by getting them to see their doctor should they discover a lump.”

Included in Chris’ Rosemere donation was £386.30 collected by the staff and customers of Ighten Leigh Social Club, Burnley.