MAX TAYLOR’S childhood sweetheart stuck by his side throughout his battle against cancer.
The 19-year-old was named in Manchester United’s squad to face Astana just 12 months after he started chemotherapy.
Lydia Richards shared a snap of her alongside Max Taylor in the hospital bed
It is understood the pair have been dating for over two years
Taylor has made a remarkable recovery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in November 2018.
And the brave youngster has thanked his mother and girlfriend Lydia Richards for helping him through the tough times.
He said: “I put on a brave face for my mum but she could see through it.
“She knew when I was down and my girlfriend, Lydia, was with me a lot of the time on the nights when I was struggling.”
The pair have been dating for over two years and Lydia regularly bombards her Instagram followers with pictures of them together.
She posted a snap of herself cuddling up alongside him in his hospital bed in February.
Her caption read: “Always so proud of my @maxtaylor00, but especially over the last few months.
“You’ve been so amazing and inspiring and I’m lucky to have you. I love you.”
Taylor, who had surgery to remove his left testicle on October 4, admitted his first concern after the diagnosis was whether he’d be able to play football again.
He added: “My first thought was: ‘Will I play football?’.
Max Taylor has thanked his childhood sweetheart for her support
Lydia Richards helped to look after the Manchester United star
“But then you get to the point when you’re by yourself, you can’t sleep and all you’re thinking is: ‘This could end my life.'”
The youngster made an emotional return to the pitch last month for the Under-23s as he featured in the 4-1 win against Swansea.
And he made the journey to Kazakhstan with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to face Astana in the Europa League.
Max Taylor is back in the United squad after making an incredible recoveryCredit: AP:Associated Press
Lydia Richards has stuck by her partner’s side
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
