A HEARTFELT appeal has gone out to help raise as much cash as possible for a Studley man diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The Advertiser revealed in March that George Hands was told repeatedly that he did not have cancer because he was too young, with medics instead diagnosing constipation.

In fact, George, aged just 25, had a tumour growing inside him for just under a year.

Now his family have vowed to raise awareness of the killer disease and funds to support more vital research.

Cousin Sam Hands has taken it upon himself to raise £3,000 for George, who is now unable to work, to help fund treatment and everyday costs.

Together with friends, Sam will be cycling from Redditch to Paris in five days, with no previous cycling experience.

"This will be a tall order," he admits.

"Every single donation will be extremely appreciated by all of us taking part. Now we just need to get on with training."

The group will be setting off on May 23.

George's shock diagnosis came after a year of frequent trips to his GP where he had expressed concerns that he might be suffering with Crohn’s disease or cancer but this was dismissed because of his age.

George was finally admitted to Alexandra Hospital with constipation on March 6.

In two days of examinations and different medicines, cancer was never mentioned with staff telling the family he was "too young" to have a serious bowel condition.

They also said there was "nothing to worry about" and that they might even send George home.

On the third day in hospital, a doctor examined George using a camera and found the tumour.

He now has a colostomy bag and is currently undergoing treatment.

For more on the cycle trip or to donate, visit gofundme.com/RedditchToParis or justgiving.com/fundraising/George-Hands25