Cancer (disease)

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      I suffered bone aches and mouth ulcers through cancer but beat it – now I’ve made history at Women’s World Cup

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      NEW ZEALAND and Brighton defender Rebekah Stott has bravely spoken out about her cancer diagnosis and how it inspired her World Cup dream.The 30-year-old, who played in today’s opening game of the World Cup, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2021, just a few months after joining Brighton in the Women’s Super League.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      The defender is a key member of the New Zealand squadCredit: Getty
      Stott kept fans updated on her progress through her blogCredit: INSTAGRAM @beatitbystotty
      But just five months later, following several rounds of gruelling treatment, she entered complete remission.
      In an episode of the Discovery+ documentary, ‘World at Their Feet’, Stott opened up about her diagnosis and her incredible journey back into football.
      “Obviously, I came to Brighton all excited and ready to go,” she said.
      “I had a little bit of a lump on my neck. It kept growing and getting bigger and bigger. I had surgery, I had a needle biopsy.
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      “Finally, after about three or four months, we got the diagnosis that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
      “‘Why did this happen to me?’, has definitely gone through my head a lot, but I know that I will never know the answer to that.
      “‘Yes, this sucks, but I have a good prognosis. In a c**p situation, I am lucky’.
      “It was all quite rushed. I was straight in for my first day of chemo. The first cycle was bad. I was throwing up everywhere.
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      “And then bone aches, headaches, dizziness, mouth ulcers, they were probably one of the worst because you were trying to eat, and it would just be impossible.”
      Despite the difficult circumstances she endured, Stott remained upbeat as she kept fans updated through social media and her blog, ‘Beat It by Stotty’.
      The defender also remained determined to return to football and used that, along with family and friends, to inspire her through months of treatment.
      She added: “My family was great. My friends were really there for me. I had a lot of people looking after me.
      “The thought of getting back to football when I finished my cancer treatment was always there and that was always my goal, to get back on the field, so that was a huge motivation for me.”
      In July 2021, just a matter of months after being diagnosed, the New Zealand star announced that she was in complete remission.
      In a blog post, she wrote: “This is the blog I’ve been hanging out to write, I’m officially in COMPLETE REMISSION. It’s surreal and I’m still not quite sure how to describe the feeling, but I’m filled with so much happiness and I’m so appreciative to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
      Within just a few months of entering remission, Stott re-joined Melbourne City before signing a two-year deal with Brighton in 2022.
      And her World Cup dream came true last month when she was named in Jitka Klimkova’s 23-woman New Zealand squad.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on the opening day of the tournament this week, helping the country to it’s first-ever World Cup win.
      The Football Ferns earned a shock 1-0 win over Norway, who are ranked 12th in the world by FIFA.
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      Hannah Wilkinson broke the deadlock just after half time following an excellent passage of team play.
      Ria Percival had the opportunity to double New Zealand’s lead late in the game, but her penalty rattled the crossbar.
      New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in the opening game of the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea star Ann-Katrin Berger beat cancer twice – now she’s heading to the World Cup and could face her Lioness partner

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      NOT many players can say that they’ve represented their country at a World Cup.Even fewer can say that they’ve done so off the back of a double-winning season.
      Ann-Katrin Berger is at the World Cup with GermanyCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year during Euro 2022Credit: Getty
      She returned to the Chelsea squad in SeptemberCredit: Getty
      But only one will be able to say that they’ve done all of the above after beating cancer… twice.
      Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has enjoyed some of the highest of highs throughout her playing career, but she has also had to endure some terrible lows.
      In November 2017, just over one year into her spell with Birmingham City, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
      Despite her devastating diagnosis, Berger was determined to continue playing football.
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      She even earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, just two months after recovering.
      And the following year, she made a huge move to Women’s Super League giants Chelsea.
      Career-wise, the 32-year-old is at the top of her game, having won four WSL titles, three FA Cups and two Continental Cups with the Blues.
      Berger’s incredible form saw her earn a place in Germany’s Euro 2022 squad last summer, but her immense joy – after being called up for her first major tournament – was marred when she found out that her cancer had returned following four years in remission.
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      She has since recovered and helped Chelsea to the WSL title and another FA Cup winCredit: Getty
      Berger received support from her international teammates last SeptemberCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper told Sky Sports in November: “It had actually started at the beginning of July.
      “We came [together] with the German national team [for the Euros] on July 3 and my yearly appointment was on July 5.
      “It was a little bit of a weird feeling because it was the last one of the normal appointments, but then the blood samples came back negative in thyroid cancer language.
      “Whilst the Euros were still ongoing, I had to do some other tests and the next step after the blood test. Most of the time, it was ultrasounds so they’re checking any lymph nodes or unusual things and that was one week after.
      “After that, I started to wonder what was going on because sometimes, the bloods can go up and down, that’s a normal thing, especially with athletes when hormones and everything are different.
      “But then after the ultrasound, they called me again and I had to go in and they took a biopsy as well. Then I was like ‘Ok, something bad is going on’, but I still wanted to carry on with football.
      “At that point, we’d finished the group stages and I wanted to keep it to myself. Obviously close ones, my family and everything, they started to know something was wrong but at that time, my team didn’t know because they had to focus on the Euros.
      “I know how to deal with it because I’ve been there before so that’s why I started to keep it to myself. The doctors gave me the all-clear to train as normal and said there wouldn’t be any problems.”
      Berger waited until the latter stages of Euro 2022 to inform her international teammates of her diagnosis, simply because she wanted to enjoy the tournament as much as possible.
      She added: “It was a difficult moment, but I kept it a little bit more quiet. I wanted to enjoy the Euros for myself because that kept me going – it actually was just nice to do something and not feel sorry for yourself.”
      In August, Berger announced to the world that her cancer had returned.
      In a statement on social media, she wrote: “I wanted to update fans directly that unfortunately, after four years of living cancer-free, there has been a recurrence detected in my thyroid.”
      Despite the devastating setback, she remarkably returned to action just over a month later, featuring in Chelsea’s WSL clash against Manchester City.
      And in March she was hailed as a hero after saving two penalties which subsequently sent the Blues through to the Champions League semi-final.
      Four months on from that electric evening at Stamford Bridge, Berger is now in Australia and New Zealand for her first World Cup.
      The goalkeeper has already lifted the WSL trophy and the FA Cup this year, but now she has her sights firmly set on arguably the biggest accolade in football.
      The goalkeeper is dating England defender Jess CarterCredit: Getty
      Carter is in the England squad for the World CupCredit: Getty
      However, in order to win the World Cup, Berger and her Germany teammates will have to get past European champions England.
      And that means the goalkeeper will have to better her girlfriend, and Chelsea teammate, Jess Carter.
      The couple started dating in 2017 and they now live together in London.
      But while they represent two different nations, there is little-to-no rivalry between them.
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      In an interview with The Guardian last year, Carter said: “There wasn’t really any direct competition [during the Euros] because we are both really chilled people.”
      Germany kick off their World Cup campaign against Morocco on July 24, while England face Haiti on July 22nd.
      The couple have been dating since 2021Credit: Alamy More

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      Wrexham star Ben Tozer’s heartbreak as dad dies after brain operation following cancer battle

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      WREXHAM defender Ben Tozer has revealed the heartbreaking news that his father has died following a brain operation.The 33-year-old defender confirmed on social media that his dad found out on Saturday he had leukaemia.
      Ben Tozer confirmed the tragic news on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      He underwent a brain operation the following day, but on Monday he tragically passed away.
      Tozer said: “On Saturday, I was told my Dad has Leukaemia but it’s treatable.
      “On Sunday night, he required a brain operation, which went positively, then last night the unthinkable happened. 💔
      “Sadly, all of this happened because he had left it too late.
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      “Unknowingly, he was masking the fact he was [in] complete agony.
      “‘Go and get checked’ we regularly said.
      “He was just too scared of what it could be.
      “Thank you, Dad. Our last words together will live with me forever.
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      “I love you. I hope we have all done you proud.”
      Responding to Tozer’s statement, Wrexham said: “So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with you and your family. ❤️”
      And Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds added: “Gut wrenching. Sending so much love to the Tozer family.”
      Fans of the club also offered messages of condolence for the centre-back.
      One said: “So sad for Ben and his family. At the same time I admire him sharing and thinking of others.
      “Men in particular can avoid going to a GP and hopefully this will make someone think differently.”
      Another added: “Condolences on your loss Ben 💔.”
      A third replied: “I’ve been there and it ain’t easy. Sending a bunch of love your way, gang.”
      And a fourth said: “Awful news, thoughts with Ben and his family ❤️.”
      Wrexham returned to League Two at the end of last season after 15 years in non-league football.
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      Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney have spearheaded the Welsh side’s upturn in fortunes.
      And Wrexham are already favourites to clinch promotion from the fourth tier this season. More

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      Wales star David Brooks doesn’t want any sympathy following successful return from cancer

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      DAVID BROOKS does not want to be picked by Wales on sentiment following a successful battle with cancer.The Bournemouth winger had 18 months on the sidelines after his stage two Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis on Dragons duty in October 2021.
      David Brooks is back in the Wales squad after battle with cancerCredit: Alamy
      Brooks won the last of his 21 Welsh caps during the Euro 2020 finals two summers agoCredit: The Mega Agency
      Brooks is back in Robert Page’s Wales squad for the first time since his cancer fight ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Armenia in Cardiff.
      But the 25-year-old reckons he is back on the international stage on merit after six appearances for Bournemouth.
      Brooks said: “I don’t want any sympathy.
      “I don’t want anyone thinking, ‘We’ll give him a game here, or a game there, because he’s been through a lot and it will mean a lot to him.’
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      “I don’t want any of that. I want it to be on merit and I believe that’s why I got two starts at the end of the year.
      “I also believe that’s why I am here now. I don ‘t want to be called up just to be a spare part.
      “I’m working hard to get back in the Bournemouth team and be starting for Wales as well.”
      Brooks won the last of his 21 caps against Denmark at the Euros two summers ago.
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      Brooks added: “It’s a very nice feeling to be back. The players have welcomed me with open arms.
      “It’s my first camp in two years so it will be a very special moment putting the Welsh shirt on again.
      “I’m hoping it will be a nice reception if I can get some minutes.”
      Brooks took part in Wales’ training camp in Portugal last week where he had an emotional reunion with team-mates – and saw Welsh medical chief Jonathan Houghton again.
      The Cherries attacker asked Houghton for paracetamol to combat symptoms of weight loss and night sweats.
      But it was Houghton’s quick-thinking which saved Brooks as he was sent immediately for tests which revealed the illness.
      Brooks added: “I do owe Jon the doc because he’s done a lot for us. It’s always nice to see him.
      “Whenever my mum and dad see him they burst out crying and give him a big hug. There’s a lot of respect there and I can’t thank him enough.
      “I just love playing football. It has been my life for 23 years and as soon as I got the diagnosis, that was snatched away in the blink of an eye.
      “The awful news crushes your world. 
      “I didn’t have a single care about football. I just wanted to still be on earth. The dark times were dark but the prognosis was positive.
      When you have gone through a scare like that it puts life into perspective that football isn’t life or death. The main thing is being happy and healthy.
      “It was nice to get messages from my old coaches like Eddie Howe and Chris Wilder. Pagey texted me. They were all supportive.” 
      Brooks was handed a new contract by Bournemouth last August until the summer of 2026 but the ex-Sheffield United star is still ambitious to play at the very top for club and country.
      He said: “My outlook on life has changed a bit but football does mean a lot to me and my ambitions and drive haven’t changed.
      “I still want to try and get to the very top. 
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      “I missed the World Cup so the aim is still to play in that and in the Champions League. I want to play at as high a level as possible.
      “I am still as determined to achieve what I want to achieve in football.” More

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      Charlotte Duffy dead aged 37: Model and ex-Crystal Palace cheerleader passes away as she loses brave cancer battle

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are mourning the loss of cheerleader Charlotte Duffy, who died at the age of 37 following a brave battle with cancer.Duffy was one of the original Crystals who also made a name for herself as a model.
      Crystal Palace cheerleader Charlotte Duffy died at the age of 37Credit: TWITTER – Crystals_CPFC
      The Crystal Girls confirmed the sad news on social media where they also issued a picture of her in full uniform at Selhurst Park.
      The Crystals stated she was “beautiful inside and out” and will be missed by the entire Palace family.
      The Crystal Girls tweeted: “RIP Charlotte Duffy, one of the original Crystals who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
      “She was beautiful inside and out and will be missed by us all! Sending our love to her family.”
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      The club followed it up with a tweet of their own sending condolences to Duffy’s loved ones.
      Crystal Palace tweeted: “Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Charlotte’s friends, family and loved ones.”
      All sorts of football fans then flooded social media paying tribute to Duffy and reaching out to her family as well as friends.
      One fan posted: “This is so sad my heart and soul go out to Charlotte and her friends and family. Big part of Palace family, far too young RIP Charlotte.”
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      Another commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking and my thoughts are with her family and friends.”
      A third tweeted: “We are so sorry to hear this awful news. Forever part of the #PalaceFamily.”
      This fan wrote: “How very sad, far too young and so difficult for her family and friends. RIP Charlotte.”
      And that one said: “Very sad to read. Met all the Crystals at a charity do years and years ago. Thoughts with friends and family.” More

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      Football fan, 8, with brain cancer has shirt torn off & burned by cruel rival supporters as club slams ‘unspeakable act’

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      AN EIGHT-year-old football fan with brain cancer was horrifically attacked by supporters of a rival club at a game in France. Little Kenzo had his beloved Marseille shirt ripped off him by the vile thugs who then set it alight at the Stade Francois Coty on Saturday.
      Kenzo, 8, was attacked by vile AC Ajaccio supporters who ripped his shirt from him
      The game against Marseille on Sunday was plagued by troubleCredit: AFP
      Hooligans supporting the relegated AC Ajaccio, based on the French island of Corsica, pounced on the boy and his dad at the weekend in the final game of the season in Ligue 1.
      The match was marred by trouble in the stands as rowdy supporters caused chaos, before ruining Kenzo’s special trip to the stadium.
      As his tumour is causing his eyesight to deteriorate, it had been his dream to see Marseille players on the pitch in person.
      He had been invited down by Ajaccio chiefs and proudly wore the colours of his team before the disgusting attack ensued.
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      The schoolboy’s shirt was sickeningly torn from his body and burnt by home fans, while his father was punched twice.
      Ajaccio has condemned the “unspeakable acts” while explaining supporters had infiltrated a private area where they had put Kenzo and his parents.
      The club said in a statement: “AC Ajaccio had the pleasure of hosting little Kenzo, who is suffering from cancer.
      “He had expressed his dream of meeting the players of Marseille, the club of his city and his heart.
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      “Kenzo and his family were invited so that the child could realise his dream during the match this evening.
      “The dream quickly turned into a nightmare when Kenzo and his parents, who came in the colours of Marseille, were shamefully abused by individuals who broke into their dressing room.
      “Alerted (to the incident), the security of the club intervened. 
      “Kenzo and his family were taken care of by the club’s security and escorted to the changing room area so that the child could fulfil his dream. 
      “These individuals in no way represent the values ​​of our club and our island. Even the most extreme stupidity cannot excuse these behaviors!
      “The club strongly condemns these unspeakable acts! AC Ajaccio will shed full light on these shameful actions.
      “As soon as the individuals have been identified by our services, we will file a complaint against them. AC Ajaccio is in solidarity with little Kenzo and his parents.”
      Kenzo’s outraged mother Amandine told Corse-Matin her cancer-stricken son has been “traumatised” by the attack.
      She said around 10 Ajaccio supporters had burst into their box before chaos ensued.
      They pushed my son and his head hit the railing. They hit my husband in the face, ripped off the little one’s shirt and went to burn it.Mum Amandine
      The mum said: “Since we thought we were safe, I allowed Kenzo to put on his shirt, my husband took him by the hand to show him the players walking onto the field.
      “And everything went wrong. They pushed my son and his head hit the railing. They hit my husband in the face, ripped off the little one’s shirt and went to burn it.
      “Before leaving the dressing room, they even spat in the food that was on the floor at our disposal.
      “Kenzo is well aware that he is very seriously ill, he is losing his sight due to his tumour and he said to me: ‘Before I see nothing more, I want to see OM in Ajaccio’… These fools traumatised him.”
      The shaken father and son were then given security protection within the ground’s changing rooms – which had one silver lining.
      Kenzo incredibly ran into several Marseille players, including his idol midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, putting a smile on his face despite the horror attack from Ajaccio fans.
      Stephanie Freedman of Journal L’Alsace tweeted: “Thank you all from Kenzo and his family for your immense support and solidarity.
      “I showed your messages to Kenzo, who is very touched. He is recovering slowly. His exchange with his idol @MatteoGuendouzi gave him some comfort.”
      Supporters of the rival teams had already clashed in Corsica ahead of the game, reportedly launching objects at each other.
      A journalist for TV channel France 3 was also hit in the face and, in a state of shock, was taken to hospital by a fire engine. 

      Racist chants were also reportedly heard in the stadium, according to French outlet RMC Sport.
      Ajaccio won the game 1-0 after an 88th-minute goal from Clement Vidal. 
      The adorable schoolboy met his hero Matteo Guendouzi following the horror incidentCredit: Twitter
      Rival fans had already clashed in Corsica before kick offCredit: AFP More

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      Emotional Chris Billam-Smith dedicates world title win to brave mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer for second time

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      CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH dedicated his hometown world title win to brave mum Carol who was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time just six weeks before his triumph.The 32-year-old took 15,000 fans to his boyhood Bournemouth stadium to dethrone former gym-mate and WBO cruiserweight champ Lawrence Okolie on Saturday.
      Chris Billam-Smith dethroned Lawrence Okolie after his massive triumphCredit: PA
      The Gentleman missed son Frank’s first birthday party on Friday so he could make the weight after a nasty stomach bug.
      And – after securing a majority decision thanks to three knockdowns and Okolie being deducted two points – he revealed a far sadder family tragedy had inspired him.
      Choking back tears he explained: “My mum is an amazing woman, my best mate, my rock.
      “We found out six weeks ago that she has a small lump. 
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      “She had breast cancer before, 25 years ago, and had a mastectomy and it looks like she’ll have another one now.
      “She has also had a stroke, she has beaten all of these things so it’s probably where I get my toughness from.”
      Okolie insisted after the defeat – that could have come inside the distance through disqualification – that he will activate an instant rematch clause and even return to the Cherries’ ground.
      The 2016 Olympian will need to drastically improve his hit-and-hold style that has bored fans before but never resulted in a pro defeat until Saturday.
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      But CBS warned him that he will face a far better version of himself in the rerun, after his fight week was wasted between his bedroom and bathroom and sapped him of his strength.
      “It was gruelling and physical,” he said about the all-English clash. “I was ill all week so I didn’t rehydrate as well or as much as usual.
      “I was never pulling out. I wasn’t letting 15,000 people down. 
      “I had sickness and diarrhoea on Tuesday morning, had a bug, fasted and it carried on until Thursday.
      Billam-Smith dedicated his title win to his mum, who was diagnosed with breast cancerCredit: Getty
      “I made weight easy but it wasn’t nice, I was really low on energy.
      “The doctor had a go at me because I had to lie to him a little bit. But it was worth it.
      “The camp had gone so well so I knew it was too good to be true. Loads of Dioralyte in the week got me through.”
      The newly crowned ace has already jetted out on holiday to celebrate and recover from the clash that left him with a nasty cut on his left eye.
      And the teetotal champ has plenty of grub and some Premier League football on the menu.
      At 1am on Sunday morning he said: “I’m going on holiday in eight hours, my nutritionist is getting married abroad, hopefully he’ll let me eat what I want over there.
      “Coming back here to watch football will be crazy. Hopefully I’ll be on the pitch for the first game of the season.
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      “The football club and the town have been brilliant with me, getting me on the pitch and helping grow my following. 
      “The town has been starved of boxing and now they have got me here, from selling out the arena twice and now here at the stadium with a world title.” More

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      I couldn’t sleep and suddenly lost weight, says Premier League ace David Brooks, 25, as he opens up about cancer battle

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      PREMIER League ace David Brooks has told how he learned he had cancer — but has now given it the boot.The Bournemouth star, 25, was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in late 2021, weeks after scoring for Wales against Croatia.
      Bournemouth ace David Brooks said: ‘I explained to the doctor I’d been struggling to sleep and had some night sweats as well as a sudden drop in weight.’Credit: PA
      Now he is back on the pitch — and supporting Race for Life fundraisers.
      Brooks, from Warrington, Cheshire, recalled: “I went away with Wales and they do a medical check at the start of international duty.
      “I explained to the doctor I’d been struggling to sleep and had some night sweats as well as a sudden drop in weight.
      “Twenty minutes later he came to my room and said, ‘I don’t want to alarm you but everything you have described to me is a symptom of cancer’.
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      “It was a big one to try to digest and knowing you had to ring your mum and dad and tell them something so big when you still didn’t know for sure yourself, meant it was a very tough couple of hours.
      “The worst pops into your head.”
      The Cherries’ midfielder spent 18-months going through intensive treatment after his stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in October 2021.
      Brooks added: “To be able to play football again is a real blessing and I hope people will take part in Race for Life to support the kind of research that helped to get me back on the pitch.”
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      Race for Life, organised by Cancer Research UK, will be holding events across the UK on May 14. More