A dad-to-be developed the same uncommon cancer his brother had battled after noticing similar symptoms.

Margate resident Olly Solly was 21 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma – which his sibling Benjamin had beaten years before.

Both brothers had to undergo chemotherapy treatment at the Viking Day Unit at the QEQM Hospital.

Benjamin was 16 when he was diagnosed with the disease - on his little brother’s 14th birthday.

Olly began to develop similar symptoms seven years later, including weight loss and night sweats and says it came as a huge surprise when his own diagnosis came.

Self-employed floor layer Olly, now 28, said: “We were both young and fit and I think it was pure bad luck we both had the same cancer.

“One time is bad enough but then to get it myself it was like ‘blimey, what happens now, am I going to be alright?’ and then after the first couple of weeks deal with it and crack on

“It was not until I found a lump in the shower I thought I better get it checked out because of what Benjamin had been through.

“They found abnormal cells in my spleen and groin, so it was classed as stage 2A, while Benjamin’s was stage one.

“Chemo started two weeks after the diagnosis was confirmed and I thought it would be hell but it was not as bad as I expected.

“The first session hit me quite hard and it definitely was not easy but it was not as tough as I thought, and I will be forever grateful for the treatment I received.”

Olly is holding a football match tomorrow in aid of East Kent Hospitals Charity, to benefit the unit.

His friend Sam Murray, 28, is also organising the event at Margate Football Club after his mum had treatment at the unit.

Olly added: “My consultant told me that if I had put a pound on Benjamin and I developing the same cancer I would never have to work another day in my life.

“We are both fine now and the team at the Viking Day Unit were amazing.

“They were so kind and compassionate and made us all feel as comfortable and supported as possible.

“We wanted to give something back to say thank you for everything they did for us both, and for Sam’s mum, and all the other patients who need treatment there.”

This is the friends’ second fundraiser for the unit after their first one netted more than £1,400.

This time they have already raised £1,000 through their fundraising website, which can be viewed here, and will hold a raffle on the day to raise extra cash, with prizes donated by local businesses.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the match, featuring two teams of family and friends of Sam and Olly.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm tomorrow at Margate Football Club and tickets cost £5 for adults and £1 for children aged 10 and under.