Andy Hood, 53, was diagnosed with testicular cancer after watching Grand Tour
Bradley Jolly Overnight News Editor
17:11, 03 Jan 2026Updated 17:15, 03 Jan 2026
Andy Hood has created an unusual underwear range to raise awareness of testicular cancer(Image: Jam Press/Andy Hood)
A Barnstaple father who attributes his life-saving cancer diagnosis to Jeremy Clarkson following a segment on testicular cancer on one of his TV shows has honoured the star with a pair of humorous underwear.
Andy Hood, 53, was inspired by Clarkson’s call for men to examine their prostate and testicles during an episode of The Grand Tour. After noticing an increased need to urinate during the night, Andy decided to check his own testicles.
After visiting his GP he was eventually diagnosed with testicular cancer, which he has since beaten. Now Mr Hood has launched his own range of underwear, Check Ya Balls, aimed at encouraging men to regularly self-examine and raise awareness about the disease.
Andy Hood received a life-saving early cancer diagnosis, with help from an unlikely source(Image: Jam Press/Andy Hood)
The father of three admits that without Clarkson’s Grand Tour programme, he would not have associated his symptoms with the disease, checked his prostate or sought medical advice. Mr Hood expressed his gratitude, saying: “I will never be able to thank Clarkson, Hammond and May enough for saving my life that day as I know without watching that programme, I would not have checked myself.”
He added: “My message to all is check your testicles – if I hadn’t it would have been much, much more serious. Without their message, I would never have known. The cancer would have spread, and this website might not even exist.”
A pair of Mr Hood’s ‘Check Ya Balls’ boxer shorts(Image: Jam Press/Andy Hood)
Mr Hood found a lump in his testicle while showering shortly after watching Clarkson, aged 64, discuss the cancer. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove one of his testicles and received chemotherapy.
The resilient businessman, a father of three, has channelled his challenges into supporting other men. His latest underwear range showcases his own playful cartoon designs and acts as both a light-hearted prompt and an important health message.
“Over 150 pairs have sold in the first month and 60 per cent is going to Robin Cancer Trust and Cahonas charities. Check Ya Balls underwear was born after my own run-in with testicular cancer,” Mr Hood said.
Andy Hood said he wanted every man to own a pair of Check Ya Balls pants(Image: Jam Press/Andy Hood)Jeremy Clarkson(Image: Jam Press)
“I decided to turn something rubbish into something powerful – a mission to get men talking, opening up, and most importantly… giving the boys a regular check.
“My goal is for every guy to own at least one pair and we’ll save lives. I had a message on Christmas Eve from someone who had seen all my content on testicular cancer awareness and the importance of regular checking.”
Testicular cancer typically affects just one testicle, though both can be impacted. According to the NHS, common signs of the disease include a lump or swelling in the testicle, enlargement of the testicle, discomfort or pain in the testicle or scrotum (the skin covering the testicles), and the scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard.