THE BROTHER of a Love Island star says he is 'overwhelmed' by the support of fellow footballers across Oxfordshire after his testicular cancer diagnosis.

Ben Hughes discovered a 'nut-sized' lump the day after younger brother Chris, who appeared in the reality series in 2017, was tested live on television in November.

The 27-year-old plays for Bourton Rovers in the Witney & District Football League and other clubs rallied around the player as he underwent an operation on Wednesday.

Players, referees and coaches across Oxfordshire have raised more than £2,500 since last Saturday, with more money set to be donated after today's games.

Mr Hughes said he was in 'great spirits' after the successful operation and was blown away by the league's efforts.

He said: "I've been overwhelmed by all the support, it's a fantastic amount raised.

"Having so many friends and family around me in the league has been a big support.

"That was even better than the money, as I'm trying to raise as much awareness as possible.

"I've posted on social media to thank them, as right now I can't get out and about as much as I'd like."

Mr Hughes is now at home with his family following the operation at Cheltenham General Hospital, but admitted he was still in 'a lot of pain'.

He said he decided to check himself after his brother received a live examination in front of millions on ITV's This Morning.

He thanked Chris, an ex-Bourton Rovers player himself, as without the very public test he 'would still be in the dark now'.

He said: "I thought he was brave for doing it and that night I jumped into bed and thought how I'd never checked.

"I shouted down to him at about 1.30am that I'd found a lump and he told me to get it checked.

"That Monday morning I went to the doctor and in January it was diagnosed as cancerous."

Mr Hughes had a testicle removed in the operation and faced a nervous wait after a CT scan, but the results showed the cancer had not spread.

He added: "If we caught it early enough I might not need to have any chemo at all."

The striker has played for Bourton since age six and is a familiar face in the league, although he admits he cannot play as much as he would like.

His club have raised more than £400 for men's health charity the Movember Foundation as part of the league's efforts, with all 38 teams in action last Saturday making individual donations.

Several teams went the extra mile to raise funds, including Milton, based in Milton-under-Wychwood near Witney, who made £300 from a raffle offering a range of lagers, ales and ciders.

Most clubs chose to donate their match fees, while 17 referees raised almost £600 by donating their £35 fees.

By this evening, all of the association's 51 teams will have had the opportunity to donate, with more money expected to follow over the coming days.

In 2016, clubs donated more than £1,000 for Witney in the Pink, a fundraising extravaganza in aid of Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer.

The league's registration secretary John Smyth said news of Mr Hughes's diagnosis meant 'the time was right' to give generously again.

He said: "Testicular cancer is pertinent to all guys, so it hit home for a lot of us.

"We're completely chuffed by the amount we've raised already.

"More money is coming in this week and we're really grateful for all the support.

"We all look out for each other and we're proud to help out a good cause."

Bourton are one of the few clubs in the league based outside West Oxfordshire, but Mr Hughes will be a familiar face to many.

Mr Smyth revealed some players were well into their 60s and he believes the camaraderie built up over several years helped boost the fundraising appeal.

He said: "Some people have been playing for season after season and sit and have a beer with each other after a game.

"We're like one big family and hate to see stuff like this happen.

"It's a brilliant effort from ordinary guys who enjoy a game of football on a Saturday afternoon."

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