DT38 Co-founder Tracy Tombides was privileged to visit the Children’s Support Service (CSS) in Wickford to educate young people about the risks of testicular cancer.

Tracy met with a group of young people on January 29th, 2025, at the Essex centre, which is there to “educate and give children access to a needs-led provision, with targeted support in a nurturing environment”.

After sharing her son Dylan’s story, and explaining about self-checking and testicular cancer, Tracy was delighted to receive the email below from Tracy Ware, Engagement Mentor at Wickford APU, who is part of the CSS team.

Testicular cancer is the most common form of the cancer amongst young males in the world.

Tracy was delighted to visit CSS and to continue sharing the important messages at the heart of our charity’s work and she is very grateful for the wonderful feedback received.

Dear Tracy,

In my 20 plus years of working at CSS, I can only remember one other time when students sat, quietly and avidly listening to a guest speaker.  

There are many moments when I am extremely proud of our students. Some have had a rough deal in life and are not always shown the respect they deserve.

Tracy, you earned each and every one of their respects today which was clear to see by they way they listened and showed you the same level of respect back.

You were able to adapt the two sessions to meet the needs of our students.  You read the room superbly.  You answered a couple of difficult questions with ease which made the students feel equally at ease to continue asking.

I would like to personally thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet a truly courageous lady and to thank you for sharing Dylan’s story.  

With all this said, I believe you have educated our pupils to speak to someone if they find anything untoward.  I am sure this will be a topic of conversation during our mentoring sessions.

Thank you once again and I hope our paths cross in the future.

Tracy Ware, Wickford APU