Popular content creator, Scott Bickerton, 36, from Crewe, and his friend Stephen Curwen, 37, completed a poignant charity ride as they rode the Big One rollercoaster 100 times at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort.
Riding with a purpose
It represents a special achievement for Scott, diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2015 at the age of 26. He later found out that the cancer had spread to his kidneys, neck and right lung.
The cancer’s progression meant he needed four operations – two of which were life-threatening specialist surgeries – and nine weeks of intense chemotherapy.
And Scott is keen to “do his bit” to encourage other men to look after their health, and raise money for testicular cancer charity The OddBalls Foundation.
Scott said: “I’m still here to share my cancer story, but at times I wasn’t sure I’d beat it. 10 years later I’m ready to do my bit to spread awareness about this awful illness in collaboration with Pleasure Beach Resort and The OddBalls Foundation.
Scott, who runs the Your Experience Guide YouTube channel with 51,000 subscribers, broadcasts his adventures in theme parks and amusement parks both domestically and internationally and is well respected in the industry.
“Using my YouTube platform, I intend to spread awareness about testicular cancer by taking on an all-day rollercoaster challenge. My YouTube audience is over 60 per cent male with a keen interest in rollercoaster and theme park videos, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to raise awareness about testicular cancer to an appropriate audience.”
Raising awareness holds its value
Scott’s mission is already achieving one of its aims – to encourage men to open up about their health. Since posting the fundraiser to the Your Experience Guide Facebook page a few days ago it has been inundated with comments, including some from men also affected by cancer.
Mark Haworth commented: “[I’m] another one who joined the club in 2007. Guys, it’s always important to check yourself and if you find something unusual, go to the docs.”
And Christopher Ames posted: “Coming from someone that has had a couple of big health scares in my lifetime (cancer included as well as a brain tumour) I can’t stress enough the need to be aware of your body and any changes that may take place. If you notice anything no matter how small, then go to a doctor. It could save your life!”
Mark Grant added: “Well done guys. I too have had the dreaded testicular cancer, and it was horrible as I was only in my early 20s at the time!”
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men but is one of the most treatable if caught early.
The OddBalls Foundation is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of testicular cancer through education, school talks, and free resources to encourage regular self-checking.
Donations to Scott’s fundraising campaign can be made via his JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/scott-bickerton-pbr
Images: Pleasure Beach Resort / Your Experience Guide
