Hartson Launches Cancer Campaign

Former Celtic and Wales footballer John Hartson has warned men not to risk their lives like he did as he launched a "Know Your Balls'' testicular cancer awareness campaign. The 40-year-old set up the John Hartson Foundation to raise money and awareness over the illness after undergoing 67 courses of chemotherapy and two operations after being diagnosed with testicular cancer six years ago. He had a stark message as he hosted the charity's second annual golf day at Mar Hall in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. The former Arsenal player said: "It nearly cost me my life because I ignored lumps on my testicles. "It's very important to check and get that early diagnosis. Everyone knows that the earlier you get on top of an illness, the more chances of recovery you have. "If you ignore it like I did, it can spread to your lungs and your brain. I had two emergency brain operations. "This is why I'm here, I want to get it through to men to check regularly. It might save your life.'' Hartson was joined by another former Celtic player who survived the illness, Alan Stubbs, and he believes men are learning to seek help.

Stubbs, now head coach of Hibernian, said: "Charities years ago really struggled to get the message out but the message is loud and clear now. "I think the biggest hurdle was masculinity with a lot of men. They were too proud, they had that macho-thing that 'I'll be okay'. "Unfortunately, six months down the line when they have been diagnosed, it could be too late. For the sake of going to your doctor and just having a conversation. "Men have a problem of putting issues to the back of their mind and thinking everything will be okay, when it won't be at times. I think we all know if something is not right. "More often than not, it will probably be nothing, but if you're going to have any cancer, this is the one. If found early enough, there is a 96% success rate.'' Among the other former sportsmen taking part in the golf day were former Rangers managers Ally McCoist and Walter Smith as well as their one-time Old Firm rival Neil Lennon, who is now manager of Bolton. Former Liverpool and England defender Neil Ruddock, The Voice talent show winner Stevie McCrorie and former Old Firm players Andy Goram, Bert Konterman and Chris Sutton also took part. Hartson said of his charity: "I'm so proud of the team, there are only three or four of us, we run it from a small office in East Kilbride and to think we have just gone over £200,000 in donations is brilliant. "It's overwhelming to get this support and I'm so proud of what the guys have done. What we do will save lives. "We give money to Yorkhill children's hospital, children that are suffering. We give money to Robin House Hospice - children go in there and don't come out. It's very important to continue the good work.''