A FATHER diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 24 says catching it early is the reason he is alive today.

Craig Pykitt went to see his doctor after finding a hard lump on one of his testicles. Two weeks later he had an operation to have it removed.

The 27-year-old, who lives with his wife Linsey, 28, and daughter Megan, four, is now urging people to join a charity fun run to support other cancer sufferers.

He wants men and women of all ages to take part in this year's Cancer Research UK Run 10k.

Mr Pykitt said: "I went to the doctor straightaway and he referred me to the hospital. Within two weeks I had an operation.

"If it had not been for the speed it was caught, I might not be around now."

The charity run will this year be held at Kedleston Hall on Sunday, September 27.

Mr Pykitt, of Ensor Close, Swadlincote, works as a landscape gardener. He said he was recovering well.

He said: "I go along for a blood test and chest x-ray every few months and it will be over six years before doctors can say for sure I'm over it but I feel a lot better now.

"When it came to the operation I had no real doubts. I just wanted the cancer gone. When it comes to it you are happy with any consequences as long as you still have your life and family."

Mr Pykitt's wife, Linsey, said: "Our daughter was only 15 months old when Craig was diagnosed. We were so lucky, there had been no warning signs at all."

Last year, 760 people took part in the run and helped raise £47,380.

This year, organisers are hoping to smash that by raising more than £100,000.

Zoe Hood, event manager for Cancer Research UK East Midlands, said the 2009 race would be well attended.

She said: "This is the sixth year the 10K has been held and it has been getting more and more popular. It is a race for men and women.

"We are expecting 1,750 people to be running this year, which is a huge boost over last year. The other reason this event seems to be so popular is that you can run it at your own pace. You can walk or you can even skip.

"It is well worth it. Cancer survival rates have doubled over the last 30 years and Cancer Research UK's work has been at the heart of that progress.

"Today, more than 95% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are cured and more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before."

To enter the run visit www.run10k.org.