Medics discovered cyclist had testicular cancer while treating his cuts and bruises after a crash

Watching a loved one cycle off on their commute can be a daily source of dread.

But when Ashley Mellon fell off his bike on the way to work, it didn’t just result in cuts and bruises – but an early cancer diagnosis that saved his life.

Weeks earlier, Mr Mellon, 26, had discovered a lump on his testicle but was told by his GP it was nothing to worry about. 

However, after his cycling accident, staff referred him for further tests which revealed he did in fact have cancer.

Catching the disease early meant he could be treated before it was too late – and soon after his chemotherapy course was completed, Mr Mellon’s partner Sophie Pinner, 23, became pregnant.

‘It was such an amazing moment when Alfie was born,’ Mr Mellon, an IT administrator from Manchester, said. 

‘I feel so lucky to be a dad to him after everything that we have been through. I didn’t know if it was even going to be possible after all the treatment.

‘Falling off my bike has ended up saving my life as it was only because I asked the hospital staff to check the lump whilst they were treating me that it was found. If I hadn’t received treatment when I did, it may have been a different story.’

Mr Mellon first went to see his GP in January 2016 after discovering the lump. 

‘I was worried because I was aware of testicular cancer in young men and the need to check yourself regularly,’ he said.

Catching the disease early meant he could be treated before it was too late – and soon after his chemotherapy course was completed, Mr Mellon’s partner Sophie Pinner, 23, became pregnant

‘I went to the doctor who examined me and said it was nothing to worry about. So I went home and tried to get on with my life. 

‘It was still there and didn’t go away, but because the doctor had looked at it, I tried not to be too concerned.’ 

Four months later, Mr Mellon was on his ten-mile ride to work when his bike slipped on mud and he fell off. 

He suffered cuts to his arms and legs, which became infected – prompting Mr Mellon to go to the hospital for antibiotics.

As doctors examined his injuries, he mentioned the lump and asked them for a second opinion. He was referred for an ultrasound, then diagnosed with testicular cancer. The tumour was removed and he completed chemotherapy in February 2017.

Despite warnings that the treatment could affect Mr Mellon’s fertility, Miss Pinner soon fell pregnant and Alfie was born in January this year at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. 

‘He really is our little miracle,’ Mr Mellon said.

Around 2,200 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in the UK. Some 98 per cent survive for five years or more after their diagnosis.

Despite warnings that the treatment could affect Mr Mellon’s fertility, Miss Pinner soon fell pregnant and Alfie was born in January this year at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester