Cancer Research UK: Race for Life launched by Bristol's Joe Batley

Back in March 2018 at the age of 21, Batley was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a cancer which affects over 2,000 people a year in the UK - and worried his rugby career may be over.

Fast forward five years and the popular back-row forward is enjoying his rugby with Bristol Bears following the collapse of Worcester Warriors, and is also enjoying life as a dad to 18-month-old Wilfred.

Joe Batley is now a father to son Wilfred. (Image: Cancer Research UK)

Batley took time out of his training this week to help support Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events which take place this summer and he is encouraging everyone to get involved to fund crucial research into the disease.

Talking about how he dealt with his diagnosis, he explains: "Life has changed dramatically for me, from being a 21-year-old and being diagnosed with cancer to a 26-year-old and now a father, which is the best thing ever.

"Obviously when I was first diagnosed it was up in the air as to whether the treatment would make me infertile, so that fact that I am now a dad is unbelievable and is always something I always dreamed of, so that has been amazing.

"I am lucky that my cancer was caught early, and I had a lot of great support from the team at Bristol Bears and friends and family, so although what has happened to me is very much behind me, I know how important it is to support events such as Race for Life which goes to fund vital life-saving research.

"A lot has changed in five years, and it feels surreal, but at the same time I can’t remember too much what was going on at the time. I remember the feelings and how ill I got during the chemo, but life is good now, it’s really good.

"Having gone through fertility treatment before being treated for cancer, we were over the moon to find out that we could conceive naturally and being a dad to Wilfred is amazing."

Joe Batley urges people to take part in this year's Race for Life (Image: Cancer Research UK)

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. 

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives. 

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the West Midlands, Paula Young, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Joe for his support. 

"We’d love for as many people as possible across the region to join us during our 30th year of Race for Life. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life."