A DAD-OF-ONE who was diagnosed with testicular cancer aged 26, bared all on ITV this week to help raise awareness of the disease.

Ryan Farrington, from Chapelford, experienced lower back pain and memory loss in 2013.

He said: "I just didn't feel right. I knew something was wrong but I never would have thought it was cancer.

"It was a complete shock to hear that."

Ryan found a lump one night and went straight to the doctors the next day.

An ultrasound revealed a tumour in his right testicle and an MRI confirmed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and stomach.

Warrington Guardian:

Ryan Farrington

Ryan, who works in the estates department at Warrington Hospital, received intense treatment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and was off work for 11 months.

This year will mark six years since the initial diagnosis and Ryan remains cancer free.

Despite visiting a sperm bank before his cancer treatment, Ryan and his wife Heather were able to conceive their daughter naturally.

He was approached by producers via social media who asked if he would like to appear on ITV's The All New Monty: Who Bares Wins.

Warrington Guardian:

Ryan, back row on the right

Ryan, former Mr Warrington Guardian, said: "I didn't have any annual leave left to take but Mel Pickup, the hospital's chief executive has always backed everything I do.

"She knows that I am so passionate about raising awareness amongst young men and she let me take the time off.

"I want to say a huge thank you to her."

Warrington Guardian: Ryan was named Mr Warrington Guardian in 2008Ryan was named Mr Warrington Guardian in 2008

Ryan also works with north west charity Checkemlads encouraging men to have regular checks to spot symptoms and says his workplace has always been supportive of this.

The 90-minute special saw celebrities such as Joe Pasquale, Jack Fincham, Jason Cundy and Willie Thorne take to the stage and bare all to raise awareness of the importance of early health checks in preventing prostate and testicular cancer.

They were joined on stage by The Monty Army - a group of men who have all suffered from the diseases.

Warrington Guardian:

Ryan with Ashley Banjo

Members of The Monty Army shared their emotional stories and the boys were reminded why they need to step up and give the performance of their lives.

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Ryan was part of The Monty Army and spent three days filming in London.

He said: "I had a great time, we were all treated the same.

"Who would want to get their gear off in front of a big audience but what is a couple of minutes of embarrassment if it saves lives?

"There is a stigma attached to men who don't go and get things checked out. They think it will just go away."

Last year eight million people tuned into the show and ITV were hoping to smash the ratings this year.

Ryan added: "If it will save just one life it has been worth doing."