A MAN who spent 18 months fighting cancer is taking on a 24 mile walking challenge to show his support for the hospital ward where he was treated.

Trevor Rand will be walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks next month to raise money for Ward 14 at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where the self-employed builder and property maintenance contractor was treated for testicular cancer.

The 37-year-old, from Nawton in Ryedale, was given the shock diagnosis when having treatment for a suspected kidney infection. As well as the 1.5cm tumour on his testicle he was told the cancer had spread to his abdomen and lungs.

He said “I had a choice to make give in and let it beat me or fight with everything I had and kick its backside.

“I had 13 weeks of intense chemotherapy. It was the hardest thing I’ve been through. Unless you have experienced it would be hard to imagine what it's like. The hair loss, the lows and the fatigue.

“Giving up seemed like a good option but the love and support from my family and my closest friends got me through. I met some amazing people on Ward 14 and the staff and treatment were second to none.”

Following a period of recovery, the now newly married Trevor plus nine friends, with his bride Sarah driving the support vehicle with supplies, will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday, September 17.

Donations towards his challenge can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/trevor-rand