Cancer (disease)

Subterms

    Latest story

    150 Shares79 Views

    Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

    by

    GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

    More stories

    • 250 Shares41 Views

      in Boxing

      Georgia O’Connor dead aged 25: Tributes pour in as Brit boxer dies following cancer battle 2 weeks after getting married

      by

      BOXER Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancer. The former Team GB representative – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January. Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancerCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryO’Connor married her partner Adriano just before her deathThe boxing hero revealed her marriage two weeks before her sad deathShe was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the whole of the boxing world backing her but devastatingly, she has passed away aged 25.Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter, who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021. Super-middleweight Joe Laws posted a picture of the pair and wrote: “Fighter till the end rest easy bro.” READ MORE IN BOXINGIn her last Instagram post – two weeks before her death – O’Connor revealed she had married her partner Adriano. She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.” In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano. She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold onto him, because that kind of love is rare.Most read in Boxing”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me. “Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me. “Whilst the doctors who neglected me are stuck in their ways, he’s out there driving across Europe, finding treatments they don’t even know exist. “Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate. “A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate. “I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you. “You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory. “We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.” Inspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero. Not only was she a talented boxer, O’Connor also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Read More on The SunAway from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing – posting videos on social media.Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1O’Connor bravely documented her fight on social mediaCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Patrice Evra’s sister dies aged 56 after 20-year cancer battle with Man Utd legend to miss Europa League final

      by

      PATRICE EVRA will miss the Europa League final to attend his sister’s funeral.Evra’s beloved Manchester United will bid to secure Champions League qualification with victory over their Premier League rivals Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday night. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra will miss the Europa League finalCredit: REUTERSThe Frenchman will miss the match in Bilbao following the death of his sister, who had battled cancer for 20 yearsCredit: APEvra announced the passing of his late sister on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@PATRICE.EVRAEvra, 44, was set to be in attendance in Bilbao but will miss the match due to the death of his sister, who recently lost her 20-year battle with cancer. The Frenchman said: “Hi guys. I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person to show you support, sharing my positive energy. “But unfortunately, I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister on the same day as the final. “She was 56, fighting against the cancer for 20 years.”A heartbroken Evera, who was one of 23 siblings, then urged Ruben Amorim’s troops to show the same strength his late sister showed to end their dismal season on a high.He continued: “Resilience, fighting. That’s what I want from you guys tomorrow. Just fight, bleed for this shirt. “For the fans, for the staff, for the people in Manchester, for the fans all around the world, there is no excuse. This is your duty tomorrow. “I think your coach is someone I support, someone I believe in. Even if we win or we lose, give something guys.Most read in FootballPatrice Evra issued a rallying cry to Ruben Amorim’s troops after revealing his bereavementCredit: INSTAGRAM@PATICE.EVRA”It’s gonna be a tough game. Tottenham also has a lot to lose. “They are in the same position in the league like us.Patrice Evra gives update on MMA debut and reveals Luis Suarez’s response to fight challenge”They didn’t win a trophy, so this is a massive chance for them. But this is no excuse. We are Man United.”Do you know how many fans gonna travel around the world and believe they’re gonna celebrate after the game because they believe in you guys, no matter what.”Because we can do it guys. So like I say, bleed for this shirt, the history. “Think about the people, your family or whatever, there is no way other than to win.”Don’t be selfish. It’s a qualification in the Champions League, so we can prepare for the future next year. “So guys, you know, I will be far away. I’m counting on you.”Unfortunately, I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister on the same day as the final.”Patrice Evra on InstagramEvra receives scores of condolences after announcing his bereavement.One of his followers wrote: “So sorry for your loss.”Another said: “So sorry for your loss, Patrice. Sending you and yours lots of love and prayers!”And another said: “My deepest condolences.”Read More on The SunOne remarked: “Sorry for your loss, legend.”Another chimed in: “Sorry for your loss, unc Pat.” More

    • 225 Shares137 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’ve been very lucky’ – Former Premier League manager George Burley, 68, free of cancer after eight-month battle

      by

      FORMER Ipswich manager George Burley has received the all-clear following his cancer diagnosis.The 68-year-old publicly announced his diagnosis in September but did not disclose the form of the disease.Former Ipswich and Scotland manager George Burley has revealed he is now cancer freeCredit: PABurley announced his diagnosis in SeptemberCredit: PAHe said: “It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now.”In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.”We are grateful to the club (Ipswich) for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.”Burley, who played for Ipswich before managing the club, underwent six cycles of chemotherapy as well as an operation which left him in hospital for three weeks. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the former defender has this week revealed that he is now cancer free.He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “It’s been a long road – it didn’t happen overnight.”It started almost a year ago where I was having symptoms and wasn’t feeling great.”It was great to eventually come through it all – I’ve been very, very lucky with the amount of support I’ve had.Most read in Football”My family’s been unbelievable… and I’ve been very well looked after.”Burley felt unwell for several months before being diagnosed with cancer.Opening up on the early stages of his battle, the Ipswich legend continued: “Eventually, when I did get diagnosed, I thought I’ve got to get on with it.”The people around you, you’ve got to make sure you’re not moping around [and] keep their chins up.”It’s not easy because initially you don’t want to speak much about it, but once you grow into it, people around you know you’re accepting the fact – and [you] get on with life as normal as possible.”The Ipswich hero also said he was “lucky” his body responded to the treatment and believes the fitness levels he built up as a player helped him in his recovery.Burley enjoyed spells with Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk and Colchester United as a player.But his longest term came in the form of 13 years overall at Ipswich.After hanging up his boots, he spent eight years as manager of the Tractor Boys. More

    • 188 Shares91 Views

      in Soccer

      Francesco Acerbi beat cancer twice and bravely fought depression before saving Inter’s Champions League dreams

      by

      IN A semi-final for the ages, it ultimately belonged to the oldest player on the pitch.Francesco Acerbi defied his veteran 37 years and centre-back defensive instincts to turn home Inter Milan’s dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser and force extra-time against Barcelona.Francesco Acerbi was Inter Milan’s last-gasp her against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe defender showed the finishing quality of a striker to equalise in injury timeCredit: GettyThis image of a topless Acerbi celebrating will go down in Inter historyCredit: GettyYes, Davide Frattesi grabbed the winning goal to book the Italian giants’ place in the Champions League final.But old-timer defender Acerbi’s superb striker’s finish epitomised a bonkers two-legged tie.And that cute, near-post effort to get in front of Ronald Araujo and find Wojciech Szczesny’s top corner may well be his own personal crowning moment of a career that has seen it all. Born in the outskirts of Milan in February 1988, Acerbi is now 90 minutes away from completing the circle by leading I Nerazzurri to European glory. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut his road to the San Siro – the site of this goal that will live long in the memory of all Inter fans – is far longer than the 15 miles from suburban Vizzolo Predabissi.And it features battles on the pitch with the world’s best strikers but more importantly off the pitch, too, with cancer, depression and alcohol. JOURNEYMAN CAREERAcerbi started out in Serie C at Pavia in 2006 and even featured in the semi-professional Serie D on loan at Renate.A loan to Spezia’s youth team followed before permanent spells at Reggina, Genoa and Chievo, where he eventually made his top-flight debut. Most read in FootballAC Milan came calling in 2012 and he was briefly team-mates with the likes of Robinho and Mario Balotelli.But after just six months of struggling for minutes, he was sold to Genoa, who immediately loaned him back to Chievo.It wasn’t until Acerbi signed for Sassuolo in 2013 that he finally had stability, spending five seasons there before four at Lazio.He initially joined Inter on loan in 2022-23 where he was reunited with ex-Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi and made the move permanent the following summer. That transfer took his tally to 14 spells with ten different clubs.FRAN THE MANAcerbi scored an all-important header against bitter rivals and former employers AC Milan in April 2024.That helped his side to a 2-1 win which saw them confirmed as Serie A champions for the 20th time.A year earlier, towards the end of his loan season, Acerbi came in for huge praise for his performance in the Champions League final.Inter were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Manchester City but the Italian centre-half managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet and off the scoresheet. HEALTH STRUGGLESHowever, Acerbi’s toughest challenges have come away from football.His father died during his short stint at Milan, triggering depression which led to him turning and even relying on alcohol to numb the pain and suffering. Then upon signing for Sassuolo in 2013 at the start of the next season, Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer. A regular health check-up flagged unusual blood test results and he immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumour. But having returned to training and competitive action, he failed an anti-doping test. Acerbi kept Erling Haaland quiet in the 2023 Champions League finalCredit: ReutersHis header against AC Milan helped secure Inter the Serie A titleCredit: GettyAcerbi’s journeyman career settled after he beat cancer twice at SassuoloCredit: Getty Images – GettyAcerbi got his kit off to make the Euro 2020 victory over EnglandCredit: GettyAcerbi denied taking any banned performance-enhancing drugs and it transpired the irregular hormone levels were because the cancer had come back again. As a result, the defender had two months of chemotherapy at the start of 2014.But Acerbi actually credits the two bouts of cancer for “saving” him from the depression and alcholism.He candidly explained to La Repubblica in 2019: “After my father died, when I was playing for Milan, I hit rock bottom. “It was as if I’d forgotten how to play, or why I was playing. I started drinking and, believe me, I’d drink anything. “It might seem like a terrible paradox, but the cancer saved me. I had something new to fight against, a limit to overcome. “It was as if I got to start life all over again and saw the world in a way I’d completely forgotten. I stopped being scared. “I was thinking to myself, ‘What will you do if it comes back again?’ ‘I’ll face it again,’ I replied.Symptoms of testicular cancerThe most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles, which is normally about the size of a pea.Not all testicular lumps are cancerous, while only four per cent of scrotal lumps are, but you should still always get your GP to take a look.Here are the signs to look out for:A lump or swelling in the testicleA heavy scrotumA dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotumA feeling of heaviness in the scrotumA difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicleA difference between one testicle and the otherTo know if you have any signs of changes in your testicles, it’s important to know what feels normal.It’s a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger.Then repeat for the other testicle.Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and size.“Chemotherapy was like stepping into a parallel world, the entrance to which is closer than you could possibly think, so you never leave it again. It’s a world of pain and of courage.“I think having that illness improved me as a person, cancelling out remorse and regret. “I became an observer of my surroundings. I eliminated the superfluous, the negative, but also the illusions. I stopped dreaming big and started to focus on simple targets.”EURO HEROIncredibly, Acerbi made his senior Italy international debut in the same year he underwent the chemotherapy. But by 2019, he had still only managed to add two further appearances – one in 2016, one in 2018 – before being brought back into the fold by Roberto Mancini.And while Acerbi won’t go down as one of the all-time great Italian defenders with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini et al, he was awarded the top Order of Merit in Italy after being part of the Euro 2020-winning squad.Francesco Acerbi has two children with Claudia ScarpariCredit: InstagramThe couple got married in January 2025Credit: InstagramAcerbi has tattoos across his torso, arms and legsCredit: Instagram @claudiascarpClaudia regularly attends Inter matches to cheer her husband onCredit: InstagramAcerbi opened up on his struggles with depression and alcohol after his father diedCredit: InstagramHe set up the extra-time winner against Austria in the round of 16 then was an unused sub in the quarters, semis and final, where the Azzurri beat England on penalties. Acerbi, though, has not added to his 34 caps since 2023 and pulled out of the squad in March 2024 after allegations he made racist comments to Napoli’s Juan Jesus during a Serie A match earlier that month.A Serie A sports judge dismissed the case citing a lack of evidence as Acerbi escaped punishment, a decision furious Napoli labelled “astonishing”. BARCA DRAMAAcerbi hit the headlines for all the right reasons, though, with his goal against Barcelona – four months on from marrying Claudia Scarpari, the mum of his two daughters. Inzaghi deployed him in the Harry Maguire role – throwing the big centre-back up front in the desperate hunt for a goal.And just like the Manchester United man against Lyon, Acerbi came up trumps.Incredibly, that was his very first career goal in European football in his 66th appearance across the Champions League and Europa League. To make the finish even more impressive and remarkable, the left-footed 6ft 4ins unit scored with his right foot. So it was no wonder he ripped his famous black-and-blue shirt and then his underlayer off in sheer unbridled delirious delight to reveal his tattooed torso.Read More on The SunAcerbi’s many inkings will tell their own stories.But the image of the seasoned and battle-scarred pensioner unsure how to celebrate his magic moment other than jumping gleefully on to his knees punctuates a truly turbulent tale of football with the most emphatic of exclamation marks.Acerbi could barely contain his excitement at San SiroCredit: GettyHe got in front of Ronald Araujo to fire past Wojciech SzczesnyCredit: APHis goal sparked wild scenes among his team-mates, coaches and fansCredit: GettyAcerbi soaked up the adulation from the adoring crowdCredit: APAcerbi won the Coppa Italia in 2019 with Lazio then in 2023 with InterCredit: Instagram More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

      by

      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Paula Radcliffe’s daughter, 18, running London Marathon as she lifts lid on ultra-rare cancer diagnosis

      by

      PAULA RADCLIFFE’S daughter is running the London Marathon after recovering from an ultra-rare cancer.Isla, 18, will take on the 26.2mile challenge on Sunday in what will be her first marathon.Paula Radcliffe’s daughter Isla [L] was diagnosed with cancer when she was 13Credit: Instagram @paula_radcliffeIsla will now follow in her mum’s marathon running footstepsCredit: AlamyIsla was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer five years ago when she was just 13.She has now recovered, and her mother, Radcliffe, opened up about the diagnosis.She told the Radio Times: “That’s when we knew something wasn’t right, and we went to the paediatrician.”It then moved very quickly.READ MORE ON SPORT”On the Tuesday she visited the doctor, we had a scan on the Wednesday and one week later we were already in the hospital starting the first round of chemo.”It’s the hardest thing a parent can go through.”You can support them and be with them the whole way through, but you can’t do that chemo for them.”It’s horrible to watch your child suffering through that, but at the same time we believed that if it felt bad, it was killing the cancer.”Most read in AthleticsRadcliffe, 51, is back running marathons and offers advice to runners of all levels.Her Paula’s Maratah Run Club podcast is sponsored by Children with Cancer UK.China races robots in Beijing half marathonWhat are the signs of ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancers affects the ovaries – the organs that store the eggs needed to make babies.It mostly affects women over the age of 50 and can sometimes run in families, according to the NHS.Symptoms of the cancer can be vague, particularly in its early stages, Cancer Research UK SAYS.The charity advises you speak to a GP if you have the following symptoms:Feeling full quicklyLoss of appetitePain in your abdomen or lower part of your abdomen that doesn’t go awayBloating or an increase in the size of your abdomenNeeding to wee more oftenTiredness that is unexplainedWeight loss that is unexplainedChanges in your bowel habit or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially if this starts after the age of 50The NHS added that bleeding from the vagina after the menopause could be another possible symptom of ovarian cancer. That is the charity that Isla is raising money and awareness for when she runs across the nation’s capital city.Radcliffe, who was world marathon champion in 2005 and won London three times, retired from professional racing in April 2015.She also revealed that she asked her gynaecologist if she could freeze her own eggs if Isla was left infertile from her cancer.She added: “He just looked at me and said, ‘Look, she isn’t going to want your 47-year-old eggs’.”When she lost her hair, I said I would cut my hair off and get it made into a wig for her. She flat-out refused that.”We’d not told many people at the time, and she didn’t want people asking why I’d done it.”There are things you’re not ready for – either going through it or as a parent.”She doesn’t know how it has affected her chances of becoming a parent.”She now has a tendency under stress to get allergic reactions on her skin, and we don’t know whether that’s linked to the treatment.”Radcliffe also has a son Raphael, 14, with husband Gary Lough.She has insisted that he has a promising career as a runner himself, as he is showing plenty of talent.And the Team GB icon also praised the teenager for how he was with Isla during her cancer battle.She said: “There was a huge amount of mother’s guilt for the fact that you have to focus more on one child for that period of time.”He’s (Raphael) extremely empathetic, probably in a way that most 14-year-old boys are not, right now.”I hope he doesn’t lose that because it’s really special.Read More on The Sun”He’d even let Isla sit and curl his hair when she had no hair to curl, the only proviso being that he would brush it before he went out anywhere.”He spent a lot of time with her and worrying about her, and they have a closer bond because of that.”Radcliffe won seven major marathons during her pro running careerCredit: AP:Associated Press More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘My dad was the greatest’ – Ex-Man Utd starlet Joe Thompson’s daughter pays heartbreaking tribute after death at 36

      by

      JOE THOMPSON’S daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute after he died at the age of 36.The Bath-born midfielder was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in April last year.Joe Thompson’s daughter Lula has made a touching tribute to her fatherCredit: MUFCThompson tragically passed away last weekCredit: MUFCLula would often go to Thompson’s work with himCredit: MUFCShe said he was the best daddy and husband to his wife, ChantelleCredit: MUFCThompson had hung up his boots in 2019, having come through the academy at Manchester United.The former Rochdale star was found to have stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which had spread to his lungs.He passed away on Thursday after becoming a public speaker following his retirement.His daughter, Lula, 10, has now made a heartbreaking tribute to her father, which the Red Devils shared.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe video showed moments of his footballing career, including scoring a memorable goal for Rochdale that saved them from relegation.Pictures showed Thompson celebrating with Lula after the game.The video continued to display the good charity work that the former footballer did in order to raise money to help battle cancer.She said: “When my dad got cancer for the third time, he didn’t let that stop him from doing good and start fundraising to get treatment that can help lots of other people.Most read in Football”He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say my dad was the greatest man.”The best dad to me and my sister Athena, and the best husband to my mummy Chantelle.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I love you so much dad.”Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later.Rochdale also paid tribute to Thompson as the team wore black armbands during the game against Altrincham.Chantelle’s tributeIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle posted on Instagram…She wrote: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned.“Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day. “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! “He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Joe Thompson’s wife Chantelle Perry and how many children did she share with the late Man Utd footballer?

      by

      MANCHESTER United have paid tribute to former footballer Joe Thompson, who has sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 36.  The club offered their heartfelt support to his family, stating that their thoughts are very much with them during this incredibly difficult time. Here’s what we know about his wife, Chantelle Perry, and their children.Chantelle Perry and Joe Thompson have been married since 2016Credit: Instagram / Chantelle PerryWho is Joe Thompson’s wife, Chantelle Perry?Chantelle Perry is the wife of former English professional footballer, Joe Thompson.The pair married in 2016 after dating for a long time.Sadly, the ex-Rochdale player, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, faced an uphill battle with his health.He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.Read more about Joe ThompsonIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle wrote on Instagram: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned. “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.”Chantelle added: “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! Most read in Football“He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!”Chantelle herself is a beauty entrepreneur and set up the Perriee Spa back in 2015 in Prestwich. By then, she’d already been styling hair for 13 years and had spent the last decade perfecting her own techniques for fitting hair extensions.According to Company House, she still holds a number of senior roles in her beauty businesses, however, she generally keeps a low profile.She was just 27 when Joe was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, while he was playing for Tranmere. He was given the all-clear a year later, but sadly had to face the disease again in 2017.Chantelle has stood by him since he was diagnosedCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PerrySpeaking in 2019, Joe said he owed so much to Chantelle and their family for standing by him through it all.He told the Liverpool Echo: “I owe it to my body and also to my family who have all seen me go through hell on more than one occasion. “You have all been my light in my darkest days.”Joe said: “It’s definitely going to be a challenge and of course I get really down some days but what I need is people around me to take my mind off it because if I’m on my own for too long I just think about everything too much.She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.Joe Thomspson“I have my loved ones to keep me strong and I’m so lucky to have such a fantastic family.“As a family we’re all really close. On the day I was told I had cancer my daughter just instinctively knew there was something up and she wouldn’t stop crying. It was so strange because the moment the doctor told us she knew something was wrong.“I guess she just knew there was a twinkle in daddy’s eye which wasn’t there anymore. We all slept crammed on the sofa together that night because Lula wouldn’t settle and she usually goes to sleep like clockwork.’How many children did Joe Thompson have with Chantelle Perry?The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Thailula-Lily, in September 2014.The couple share two daughtersCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PErryWhile saying his statement about his cancer returning, he described his wife and daughter, saying: “I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength. “Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.”A year later, Thompson said about them: “She means the world to me – and my wife. “She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.”She always makes me smile and hopefully she’ll remember that. She sees Daddy as Superman.”Read More on The SunThey had their second daughter, Athena Rae, in 2022.Tragically, in 2024, Chantelle and Joe shared that they had lost their baby son, whom they named Dre Phoenix Thompson. More