THE family of a newly engaged Rangers fan who beat cancer as a child have spoken of their devastation that he is facing a fresh fight for survival after 12 years in the clear.

Declan Tennant, 25, was treated for leukaemia as a nine-year-old and spent three years undergoing gruelling treatment at Glasgow’s former children’s hospital at Yorkhill.

The treatment was successful and at the age of 12 doctors told the family he was in the clear.

Declan, who is from Cumbernauld, moved to Breda in the south of Holland four years ago to be with his Dutch girlfriend Cynthia and was enjoying his new life working in retail.

However, in October, he discovered a lump in his testicle and tests revealed it was cancerous. Doctors told the family that if the cancer was ever to return it was likely to be there.

He had surgery to remove the lump but doctors then discovered it had spread to his stomach and he was given four weeks of intense chemotherapy. The family were told he was clear but then discovered that one of his lymph nodes in his stomach was enlarged.

Read more: 'Thank you Glasgow': Lecturer credits Glasgow for helping her beat cancer 

He is now recovering from a major operation to remove the lymph node at the Erasmus hospital in Rotterdam and waiting for the results of further tests.

As well as being a devoted Rangers fan Declan and his girlfriend support the Dutch team NAC Breda and a few weeks ago he proposed to her on the pitch.

Declan’s granny Maggi Taylor, said: “He’s a lifelong Rangers fan and the club sent him a shirt signed by Steven Gerard when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“It’s been a terrible year for him, just one thing after another.

“We are just waiting on the results of the tests and trying to support him as much as possible.”

Declan’s childhood cancer fight was featured in the Evening Times when the youngster was undergoing treatment, with proud gran Maggi paying tribute to the youngster’s bravery.

Read more: 'There's no stopping her': Teenager hailed for bravery after losing an arm through cancer 

His Cumbernauld family have set up a Justgiving page to help cover living costs as Declan has been forced to stop working.

She said: “I wanted to fly out but then thought the money would be better spent helping him out financially.

“He’s not getting income and it will be at least another three months before he can work.

“I’m hoping that friends and family will be able to help raise a bit of much needed cash for help relieve the financial burden at this time.”

To make a donation visit GoFundMe's website.