�Two mothers whose sons have both been diagnosed with undescended testicles are trying to raise awareness of the condition.

Leanne Bradbrook’s six- year-old Michael Slater could be at risk of fertility problems and testicular cancer after she discovered that one of his testicles had not dropped.

Her friend, Kelly Hannaford, from Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill, discovered her four-year-old son Charlie Hannaford had the same condition but it was diagnosed in time to prevent any long-term harm to his health.

Worrying

Leanne, from Heaton Avenue, Harold Hill, said: “I am really gutted that I didn’t notice it sooner.

“It’s terrible because I am constantly worrying about it and if he will be affected.”

Leanne decided to check Michael’s testicles when she was told by Kelly that her son had recently been diagnosed with the condition after a year of problems.

When she took Michael to see doctors they said that one of his testicles had dropped but the other one was in his groin.

Kelly said: “I only heard about the condition when my son was diagnosed with it three months ago and if I hadn’t told Leanne she would have just missed it and things could have been worse for Michael.

“It’s worrying when you think about the number of other boys this could affect and the parents who just don’t know about it.”

Michael is on a waiting list for an operation to bring down the undescended testicle, but Leanne has been told by doctors that he will be at risk of testicular cancer and fertility problems.

Charlie is also waiting for an operation to correct his testicle but Kelly has been told that it will be a straightforward procedure without any side-effects because he was diagnosed early.

The women are campaigning to see leaflets about the condition given to new mothers and for boys’ testicles to be checked by health workers.

Kelly said: “It should be the health workers and doctors checking boys’ testicles because most parents just don’t know what to expect.”