Sponsorship of Motorcycle Racer Helps Raise Awareness of Testicular Cancer

Motorcycle racer and advocate Matt Finch with his bike before the 2023 No Limits Racing season

We are very proud to lend our support as a corporate sponsor to motorcycle racer Matt Finch, who is raising awareness of It’s On The Ball, a testicular cancer charity based in Norwich. Matt was diagnosed and successfully treated for testicular cancer five years ago – and has been an advocate for the charity ever since.

Matt started riding bikes on the road when he was 16. Following his cancer treatment, at the age of 29, he decided to fulfil his lifelong ambition to start racing. Last year, he competed in his first races on his Yamaha R6 in the newcomer 600 class of the No Limits Racing championship. During 2023, he will race in the same class for eight rounds at iconic tracks like Brands Hatch and Donington Park. 

It’s On The Ball was formed in 2014 to help raise awareness of the disease among young men. It also supports cancer patients and their families across East Anglia. The charity’s key message is for men to check themselves regularly – and if they find anything suspicious to go to their GP as soon as possible. 

As Matt puts it - “As much as it’s important checking the bike over before you go out for a ride, it is just as important to check yourself. Testicular cancer is a curable disease. Young blokes shouldn’t be afraid to get checked. If you act early, it could save your life.”

Matt and IOTB promote the need for regular self-examination and seeking help early on. The disease is the most ‘survivable’ of all cancers, leaving most men with little or no lasting effect in living a normal life. With a survival rate of 98%, it lends itself to early detection and swift action. 

In Matt’s case, he noticed an ache in his left testicle in 2017 and discovered a lump about the size of a pea. The testicle was removed nine days later followed by a five-day course of chemotherapy. After his treatment he decided to get into racing, choosing the name One Ball Racing. He says, “It was something to look forward to after the treatment, and maybe a way of me getting through to young men that the disease does happen to people – and how incredibly important it is for young blokes to get themselves checked.” 

Hear Matt tell his story in a video interview

We look forward to following Matt’s progress in the No Limits Racing championship. And doing our part to share awareness of testicular cancer and the importance of checking for signs of the disease. 

Matt’s first race takes place at the Snetterton circuit in Norwich on 18/19 March. Everyone at Hawco wishes him every success. 

To follow Matt’s progress, follow him on Instagram or Facebook

For more about testicular cancer, visit https://itsontheball.org/