A GRANDFATHER from Bournemouth who is battling cancer will take part in a charity walk later this month to give something back to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Gordon Youngson, 66, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November and will take part in the annual March for Men on Sunday, March 25, which takes place from Bournemouth Pier.

Gordon said: “After finding blood in my urine, I was referred to the Urology Department at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

“I had a cystoscopy procedure in September that identified that I had tumour in my bladder.”

Gordon underwent a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) procedure, but during a follow-up meeting with his consultant, he received the news that he had stage three bladder cancer that had spread to his liver.

Gordon immediately started a course of chemotherapy, which he is still undergoing today.

He said: “Following a recent CT scan, there are signs that the chemotherapy is having a positive effect on the cancers.

The March for Men aims to raise thousands of pounds towards improving men’s health treatment at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Gordon will not be taking on the challenge alone as three generations of men from his family will be walking by his side.

He said: “In my ‘team’ are my son Stephen, my grandson Bailey and my grand-daughter’s boyfriend Paul.

“We’re also supported by my son Stuart, his wife Lynn and our six grandchildren in the Republic of Ireland. Finally, we’ll all be backed up by my wife Margaret who has been my rock now for almost 44 years.”

He added: “Six months ago, I never would’ve imagined that I would have required cancer treatment.

“I have nothing but praise for the compassion, care and treatment that I have received so far during my journey.”

Since 2014, March for Men has raised nearly £80,000 for men’s health treatment at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Dads, husbands, sons, uncles, friends and their loved ones are being urged to sign up for the event. Entry is £15 for adults, £8 for people aged five to 15-years-old and free for under 5s.

To sign up, visit BHCharity.org/m4m/