Loved ones of South Shields dad who died of testicular cancer - despite showing no symptoms - set up foundation in his memory

Michael Hall, of The Nook, South Shields passed away in May at the age of 27 in May this year, two weeks before the birth of his daughter Chloe Grace.

Other than back ache, Michael had shown no symptoms to suggest anything was wrong and due to his age, the cancer went undetected until he collapsed at home from a blood clot in his lungs and died in hospital the following day.

Now his family and friends have set up the Michael Hall Foundation in his memory, to raise awareness of testicular cancer and fund vital research into the disease.

Through fundraising activities and events over the year, including a skydive, a charity football match and a Christmas ball in 2020, the foundation will raise cash for Cancer Research UK, which will be ring-fenced for testicular cancer.

“It’s a way of tunnelling and focusing our grief, and trying to help other families and other men,” said Michael’s cousin, Caroline Hall, who will take part in a skydive on April 11, 2020 on what will be Testicular Cancer Awareness Week.

“I’m terrified of heights but he’s my cousin and I’ve got no doubt he’s laughing his head off up there at us.

“It’s very much about Michael and keeping his memory alive, everything we are doing are things that he would have loved to do.”

The Foundation also hopes to tackle the stigma that is often attached to men getting themselves checked out.

“We want to make sure that men take this disease seriously,” continued Caroline.

“Women are encouraged to check themselves so every man should be too. We want to make sure it’s part of their routine, and if they do find something or are suffering from something unrelated to go and see their GP and push for that scan.”

She added: “We have already had two men come forward to say that they have found lumps because they were aware of Michael’s story, so it’s helping across the board.”

Find the Michael Hall Foundation on Facebook @MHFoundation27 and donate via www.gofundme.com/f/michael-hall-foundation