Jack Bristow, а boy of nine, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer – making him what is believed to be the youngest sufferer in the world.

The diagnosis came after the youngster’s right testicle began to swell in September last year when he took a blow to his groin while playing football at school. Doctors said it was likely to be inflammation and he was prescribed ibuprofen to decrease the swelling. Just weeks later he took another knock to his groin when playing at school and was taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital.

It was probably this blow that saved his life. Doctors found his right testicle was significantly larger than his left. A biopsy was taken and it showed there were abnormal cells. Jack was then transferred to Southampton General Hospital where doctors found he had seminoma, a testicular cancer germ cell tumour.

In the weeks since the diagnosis in December, Jack has had his right testicle removed and had two cycles of chemotherapy. He has also had testicular tubing removed and has had biopsies, ultrasounds and countless blood tests.

Jack said: ‘It doesn’t really feel like I have cancer. Sometimes it’s really painful but sometimes it’s okay. I’m not a fan of needles though. My friends have all been really supportive.’

His mother, Joanne, 29, of Basingstoke in Hampshire, said: ‘I can’t even begin to describe how we felt. I thought I had felt heartache before but that nearly killed me. Jack is taking it all a whole lot better than we thought he would – it’s probably affected us more than him.’

Father Dan, 32, added: ‘The doctors think he is the youngest to have it but said it is one of the most treatable types of cancer so it fills you with hope. It is thanks to those kicks that we found out he had cancer. If that had not happened we would never have known – it helped save his life.’

His parents have been told that the treatment has a 95 per cent success rate.

The family, which also includes his seven-year-old brother Alfie, are now fundraising for the Piam Brown Children’s ward at Southampton General Hospital, where Jack goes for treatment.