Why Sergeant Mick is on a mission to save lives

Feb 10 2008 By Carrie Catterall

SERGEANT Mick Riley is on a mission to save lives after battling testicular cancer.

An army man since he was 18, Mick has fought wars in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq but he took on a different enemy at 21 after discovering a lump in his testicles.

He said: “I went to the doctor and at first I was sent home with antibiotics. When I eventually saw a senior doctor and was diagnosed with testicular cancer, I realised there needed to be more awareness of this disease.”

The father-of-four’s experiences inspired him to launch a website - checkemlads.com - with his friend Philly Morris in 2003.

Mick, 32, from Wallasey, said: “The website is now getting around 300 hits a week and we hope it has saved the lives of young lads too embarrassed to go to the doctors or speak to their parents.

“We can usually put their mind at rest or tell them what to do.

“Most websites on testicular cancer are full of medical terms and jargon. I think the reason our site gets so many hits is because it is so straight-talking.”

Mick and Philly also educate others with hard-hitting presentations about the main signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.

Despite enduring chemotherapy and a seven-hour operation to beat his cancer, Mick’s zest for life remains.

His proud mother Lesley said: “He is an action man and an adrenaline junkie.

“He has always had a positive mental attitude.”

The former Mosslands pupil said: “I am living in Germany as a regimental operations sergeant in the logistics regiment and we are all preparing to go back out to Iraq.

“The army attitude and squaddie mentality has made me see the cancer as an obstacle which I needed to get over.

“It has changed me for the better and I know it sounds like a cliche but now nothing gets me down.”

Mick has been honoured for his achievements with an MBE and will pick up the award later this year.