FORMER Hereford United and Westfields physiotherapist Simon Shakeshaft has been given the all clear in his fight against cancer, writes IAN MORGAN.

The 37-year-old Hereford United supporter has been told to rest for a month and hopes to return to full-time work with Third Division Shrewsbury Town in November.

'Shakey' was diagnosed with testicular cancer in May, an illness from which he had recovered 14 years ago.

Fortunately, he discovered the tumour early, which gave him a 95 per cent chance of making a full recovery.

He had chemotherapy in June and July and will now be monitored over the next 12 months for secondary cancer.

"It has been four dark months but the cancer has gone into remission," said Shakeshaft, who was raised and educated in Hereford.

"When I went for my tests I was told that my blood markers were within the normal range and my tumour had gone - which was a massive relief."

Shakeshaft, who has a three-year-old daughter, said that his wife, Tracey, had been a tower of strength and he was also touched by the overwhelming support from people within football.

He said: "The manager, Kevin Ratcliffe, has been unbelievably supportive and the support that I have received from players, administrators, directors and supporters of Shrewsbury Town and, from other people within the game, has been fantastic. Supporters from Exeter and Hereford have been brilliant and so too have other clubs, such as Liverpool and Manchester United, where I don't have any connections."

Shakeshaft is trying to boost awareness of the disease and has already raised more than £2,500 for the PFA and FA backed 'Keep your eye on the ball' campaign, which was launched nationally over a year ago.

He said: "The three things to come out of the campaign is that men are fearful, ignorant and embarrassed about the problem. To lose a testicle through cancer is as traumatic as losing a breast through breast cancer."

He re-affirmed 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.

The disease is most common in men aged between 19 and 35 years.