A MAN has been given a “second chance at life” after having a tumour the size of a rugby ball removed.

Jeff Vick, who lives in Ferndown with wife Michelle and daughters Jasmine, eight, and three-year-old Tiegan, fell ill for the first time on Mothering Sunday last year.

The ambulance technician went to his GP after finding blood in his urine and scans later confirmed he had a tumour the size of a rugby ball attached to one of his kidneys.

He was referred to a specialist at Southampton General Hospital to have the tumour, which was dangerously close to a vein taking blood to his heart, removed.

Michelle, a paralegal at Coles Miller Solicitors in Broadstone, said: “He was only 42 when he was diagnosed, very young for that type of cancer. You can imagine the things that went through my mind – potentially being left a widow with two young children and wondering how on earth I would cope on my own.”

Subsequent tests confirmed the cancer had not spread and Jeff is recovering well following major surgery and is having check-ups every three months.

Michelle added: “Quite how we got through it all I don’t know.

“We tried to keep a very practical approach to things and retain our sense of humour.

“Without research and the wonderful work of the consultant and medical staff along the way, my husband would not have been given a second chance at life and our family wouldn’t have a future.”

The family are now hoping to raise awareness in Dorset and have joined forces with Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 for the Stand up to Cancer campaign.