FORMER Hereford United and Westfields physiotherapist Simon Shakeshaft is remaining positive and upbeat in his battle to overcome cancer, writes Ian Morgan.

The 37-year-old, who was raised and educated in Hereford, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, an illness from which he had recovered 14 years ago.

Fortunately, 'Shakey' discovered the tumour early, giving him a 95 per cent chance of making a full recovery, and he plans to raise awareness of the disease which is most common in men aged between 19 and 35 years.

The popular Shakeshaft, now a physiotherapist with Shrewsbury Town, said: "I was feeling very lethargic all the time but, initially, I put it down to a long, hard season. However, I recognised other symptoms, including a dull ache in my lower back, went to the doctor and then had the results of my blood test."

He added: "I think a lot of friends who have already heard about my problem are quite shocked because they said I was looking so well."

Shakeshaft, who will be undergoing twice-weekly treatment in June and July, plans to raise £10,000 between now and Christmas for Dads' and Lads' Imperial Cancer Research campaign which is backed by the FA and the Professional Foot-ballers' Association.

He intends to make a return to Shrewsbury Town in time for the start of the new campaign.

Shakeshaft said: "A lot of good can come out of this if I can help to raise awareness of the disease. Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men and the instances have increased dramatically over the last 20 years. A lot of men seem to have a real problem in terms of embarrassment and perhaps ignore it."

He said that self-examination was important and symptoms to look out for included a painless lump or swelling, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, weight loss, tiredness and lethargy.