Fitness fanatic dad, 43, gets life-changing cancer diagnosis 48 hours after phone call about routine tests

Fitness fanatic dad, 43, gets life-changing cancer diagnosis 48 hours after phone call about routine tests Dad David Ruttledge, 43, was devastated after being diagnosed with renal cancer after a routine blood test but has since raised thousands for the Irish Kidney Association A fitness-obsessed father discovered he had renal cancer following a routine blood test while gearing up for a huge fitness race. David Ruttledge, from Dublin, Ireland, received the devastating diagnosis while preparing for a TRYKA relay earlier this year. Last October, he underwent a regular test, which revealed his kidney markers were "abnormal" so his GP requested he repeat it. The results also returned as elevated. The doctor then arranged an ultrasound for him to get to the bottom of the issue. During this period, David was attempting the fitness challenge alongside his wife Carmel, his sister-in-law and his brother-in-law. Now he has now raised thousands for the Irish Kidney Association - and doesn't plan on stopping there. The 43-year-old said: "I had no reason to think anything was seriously wrong. I had the ultrasound on the Friday of the February Bank Holiday weekend and completed the TRYKA relay on Sunday, February 1. "A few days later, everything changed. My GP called and asked me to come into the practice. He explained that the ultrasound had found a mass on my left kidney. "The following day, I underwent two CT scans, and by Friday, I received the news that no one expects to hear: I had renal cancer and a large tumour on my left kidney." He explained he attended numerous appointments, scans and tests throughout the subsequent weeks, and he had a partial nephrectomy on March 3. Surgeons successfully managed to remove the complete tumour while also preserving half his kidney, reports the Irish Mirror. David went on: "Throughout the whole journey, I was carried by the love and support of my wife Carmel, my two sons, my family, and my friends. Their positivity, encouragement, and belief in me helped me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. "Today, I am incredibly grateful. Grateful for early detection, grateful for the healthcare professionals who looked after me, and grateful for the support network that helped me keep going." To commemorate his recovery, boost awareness and give back, David will tackle another TRYKA this Saturday. He explained: "This challenge represents far more than fitness for me. "It is a chance to prove to myself what is possible after cancer, to raise funds for a cause close to my heart, and to hopefully help others facing similar battles. If you are able to support this fundraiser, no matter how small the contribution, I would be hugely grateful. "Every donation will help make a difference, and every message of support will help carry me across the finish line. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this journey." So far, he's collected almost €8,000 (around £7,000), Contributions can be made here.