Man who feared he would be infertile after testicular cancer battle welcomes 'miracle' baby boy

Sean Collard, who is one half of support group Cancer Lads, and partner Sophie Campbell have welcomed Lucas George Collard into the world on Tuesday, September 15.

The newborn baby, weighing 7lb 5oz, has been described as a ‘little ray of sunshine’ following years of hurt and pain the family has been through after both Sean and his non-identical twin brother Ryan were diagnosed with testicular cancer just 20 days apart.

Following gruelling chemotherapy and operations, Sean had previously feared he’d never be able to father children, but always tried to remain optimistic.

Now, the South Hetton couple are delighted after the arrival of Lucas, who they have described as their ‘little miracle’.

But it wasn’t plain sailing for the 26-year-old dad who wasn’t able to be at the birth of his first child after being told to self-isolate.

Sean said: “As a testicular cancer survivor, we hope and pray for days like these. The years of hurt and pain our family has been through, we finally have a little ray of sunshine.

"I can’t describe the feeling when I saw him for the first time. It just fills you with love.

“I wasn’t allowed at the birth which is difficult. With us being in an area with quite a big spike in cases I’d come in to contact with someone and I had to self-isolate.

"Sophie’s sister was with her and I watch the birth through WhatsApp video call but I wish I could have been there for her.

"They were in hospital just short of 24 hours and I was dying to see them when I picked them both up.

"It wasn’t very nice but I have him 24/7 now which is fantastic.”

In September 2017, both Sean and Ryan, who grew up in Hetton and attended Houghton Kepier Academy, were diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Ryan, who is a primary school teacher in London, was diagnosed with stage four cancer and was unable to bank sperm before he was rushed in for treatment. He is now going through fertility tests although devastatingly his chances of being able to have a baby naturally are extremely slim.

The pair set up the organisation Cancer Lads to raise awareness and support men during and after cancer.

"It's just amazing to have Lucas here now. It has been a difficult few years and as we move forward it’s still going to be there even though we’re both in remission,” said Sean, who works in sales.

"It’s an amazing thing that’s happened but for Ryan it is a bit of a reminder of something he may never have which is hard.

"We’ve Facetimed Ryan and we send him loads of updates. He’s going to be a great uncle. They were hoping to come up but with everything that’s going on it’s not been possible.

“We have had dark days but it’s nice for Lucas to come along and now we can start looking more to the future.

“Even if you do have cancer, even if you have just beaten cancer, there is always hope. For us, our little miracle has come along and we’ve started our family.”

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