A doting father of two has to endure a month of agony as he waits for his medical results to determine if his chemotherapy has been successful.

Matthew “Matty” Ash, 44, of Graham Avenue, Mile Oak, was diagnosed with Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which is a rare form of nonHodgkin lymphoma cancer, in April lst year.

Since his diagnosis, it has affected the ex-footballer’s everyday life as no one could predict the outcome of his condition as he had family members who died from the disease.

The illness has stopped Matty from doing his job as a landscape gardener, a job he loves dearly.

Despite the devastating news, Matty has battled his condition bravely, backed by his family who have supported him resolutely.

He said: “I just want to spend more time with my girls and get back to my normal life. I went to the Royal Marsden in February for my chemo treatment to re-work my immune system.

“I need to head back there for a check-up to see if the treatment has worked for me.

“It all started in January last year. I suddenly felt exhausted and I had night sweats.

“I even felt tired from just doing household chores.

“My wife Lorraine and I went to see the GP. It took them a while to confirm I was diagnosed with this type of cancer because it’s rare.

“I’ve had to stop working as well. I really love my job.

I try not to anticipate too much, I just hope I can get back to work soon.”

It had been a stressful and tough few months for the family. As they were trying to cope with Matty’s news, his mother-in-law died in June.

The family, however, soldiered on to help keep everyone in good spirits.

He said: “It has been hard on all of us.

“When I try to do simple things like mowing the lawn I just get tired.

“It’s very frustrating for me because it’s a reminder that I am not well.

“However, I’ve learnt that keeping a positive mind is what matters as I look forward to all the great things I can do with my family.”

Matty's old football club, Burgess Hill Town FC, has organised a charity game against an All-Star team at Leylands Park, Burgess Hill, on April 29. He was a player at the club from 2001 to 2003.

Matty said: “The money will go towards the Rockinghorse and the Royal Marsden to help them provide more medical facilities.

“Lorraine and I will be heading to the match. We just want to thank Royal Marsden for their wonderful support.

"I also want to thank the football club and my friends for helping me and making this possible. Please support our fundraising campaign.”

Visit gofundme.com/matty-ash-fundraising-match to help.