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A father-of-two from Blackwood will be running a marathon this year to raise money for a cancer charity, following his own experience of testicular cancer.

This October, 55-year-old Jonathan Gomez will tackle the Marathon Eryri, in the Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia) for Tenovus Cancer Care.

Discussing his diagnosis, Jonathan explained: “I was on a work trip away, when I discovered a lump which didn’t feel right following a run earlier that day. I got back to my hotel room and realised I should get it checked out as it felt unusual.

“I had only recently seen on TV The Real Full Monty in December 2021, where a Love Island celebrity spoke about the effect of testicular cancer on his brother.

“The show was about men’s health and the importance of checking yourselves for lumps and signs which felt unusual – and I thought I should see my GP.”

Speaking during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, which is held every April, Jonathan continued: “I do a lot of cycling, so it’s not unusual to feel a few bumps and bruises, but this felt different.”

Despite his concerns that it might be testicular cancer, Jonathan’s GP had given him a prescription for antibiotics and also had booked him in for an Ultrasound scan to check out the lump.

“I was told that my scan would be in two months’ time as it was marked as non-urgent. I had private medical insurance, so I decided I would go private and get it checked out sooner.”

Following an ultrasound and CT scan, results confirmed it was testicular cancer. Jonathan then had an operation to remove the tumour.

He said: “It was believed to have been there for a while and as I wasn’t ill or had no pain at all, I had no reason to believe I had cancer.

“If it wasn’t for the health awareness programme on the TV that night, I may not have gone and checked myself when I did.”

While Jonathan was on a surveillance programme, he had regular checks to ensure the cancer had been dealt with.

But in 2022, one of those checks found that a lymph node was enlarged. He then underwent chemotherapy and had 15 rounds of radiotherapy to destroy any further cancer cells.

A keen cyclist and runner, he read Lance Armstrong’s story, which was both an inspiration and a testament in dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Jonathan has since taken part in numerous charity runs and cycle rides, determined to give back to charities that have helped him along the way.

He has already completed two Marathon Eryris and also a Cardiff to Tenby cycle ride, a sport he loves.

He will take on his third Marathon Eryri on October 24.

“Tenovus Cancer Care were always on my radar when I took part in Marathon Eryri,” explained Jonathan. “And as a Welsh charity helping everyone affected by cancer, I knew their specialist support was helping communities through its range of services.”

He continued: “My experience has taught me that awareness and education is vital in detecting cancer in the human body.

“If you are in anyway concerned or unsure about your health, it is essential that you contact your GP in the first instance no matter how small.

“Detecting cancer early gives a better chance of treatment and surviving it.”

He added: “One in two of us will get cancer, which is high – but rest assured there will always be treatment and support available from charities such as Tenovus Cancer Care to help you and your family through.”

Symptoms of testicular cancer

It’s most common in men aged 15 to 49. It can affect anyone who has testicles.  

• The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in your testicle. Other symptoms can include a heavy scrotum, discomfort or pain in your testicle or scrotum.
• Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
• a lump or swelling in part of one testicle
• a testicle that gets bigger
• a heavy scrotum
• discomfort or pain in your testicle or scrotum
• The scrotum is the sack of skin that surrounds your testicles. These symptoms can be similar to other conditions that affect the testicles, such as infections. But it is important that you see a doctor if you have:
• any of these symptoms
• symptoms that are unusual for you
• symptoms that don’t go away or don’t improve – including any changes to the shape or texture of your testicle
• Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer, but it is important to get them checked by a doctor. Try not to be embarrassed. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease.

Source: Cancer Research UK