TAVISTOCK Football Club have forged links with a charity dedicated to prevention of testicular cancer and welcomed its founder to Langsford Park to watch the team’s 3-0 win over Street.

Dan Silver is the founder of the testicular cancer awareness group ‘Dash of Silver’ who recently purchased a hoarding board at the Lambs’ ground to raise awareness of the work they do with cancer sufferers.

‘Dash of Silver is based in Plymouth and we support males that are affected by testicular cancer,’ Dan said on his visit to Langsford Park. ‘We support them with gift packs for their journey and we also offer emotional support. The charity was set up by myself due to my own personal battle with cancer. I never thought I would have a charity named after myself, but it’s nice really that something positive has come out of a bad experience. We have a growing reputation and we are charity partners with Plymouth Argyle as well, so our awareness is beginning to spread.’

Testicular cancer is most common amongst men between the ages of 15 and 40, but the survival rate for testicular cancer is high. More than 95 per-cent of men survive the disease for one year or more after they are diagnosed; 95 out of 100 men will survive their cancer five years or more and around 90 out of 100 men survive for ten years or more.

‘Self-examination is key,’ Dan said. ‘It is essential that you do check-ups – I would recommend you do it daily, personally because you cannot check too much. And if you do feel any discomfort, then go and see a doctor. Don’t let it go and get worse. Any lump – it is not always cancer, but it could be and we are here to help.’

Dan’s board, situated at the Crowndale end of Langsford Park is in situ for the season and he and the charity are one of the club’s sponsors for the 2021/22 campaign.

‘We have tried to support as many local sports teams as possible and I think it is important in a physical environment, which footballers are, that they do know about self-examination,’ Dan added. ‘If they get a kick or a knee, or a thigh or groin strain – any of those sort of injuries – it’s important they check. We are always approachable and if people have any concerns, we will help and we can help you and put you in touch with the right people to speak to.’

For further details on the charity, visit DashOfSilver.co.uk.