Cancer (disease)

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      in Soccer

      EFL star forced to retire aged 26 due to cancer battle as he writes emotional letter to fans

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      BRISTOL ROVERS defender Nick Anderton has been forced to retire at the age of 26 amid his battle with cancer.The ex-Preston, Blackpool and Carlisle man took to social media on Friday to confirm the news in an emotional post.
      Nick Anderton has announced his retirement from footballCredit: Rex
      It comes four months into his chemotherapy treatment for a rare form of bone cancer, osteosarcoma.
      He has been forced to hang up his boots due to an operation on his femur which required a “complete knee replacement”.
      Speaking the day before his 27th birthday, he said: “I’ve had six months to prepare some words for this moment and I still don’t know what to say.
      “It’s been extremely difficult to come to terms with but I’ve decided today is the day to announce at the age of 26 I have to retire from professional football.
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      “This is due to an operation I had in October 2022 to remove a cancerous tumour from my right femur. This resulted in a complete knee replacement, and a further 12cm of my femur replaced.
      “There was optimism that I could return to playing after the initial planned operation/treatment but a scan five days prior revealed it would not be safe if they didn’t replace the full joint, therefore the operation changed.
      “Looking back on the last 10 years, I have nothing but fond memories.
      “To every club I’ve represented, thank you for the opportunity. To every manager and coach I’ve worked under, thank you for the time you’ve invested in me. To every player I’ve shared a dressing room with and every player I’ve competed against on the pitch, thank you. It’s been an absolute pleasure.
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      “I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who sent messages, donated and said a prayer. Your kind words and support for my family throughout this journey has been incredible and we can’t thank you enough.
      “It’s given me even more motivation to continue fighting and to complete every single millilitre of chemotherapy that I need.
      “Thank you, Nick.”
      Anderton was diagnosed with the illness back in July after undergoing a scan on what he believed to be a leg injury.
      He made 245 senior appearances during his nine-year professional career.
      Last season, he played a crucial role in helping Bristol Rovers secure promotion to League One on the final day of the season.
      They did so in the most incredible fashion, beating Scunthorpe 7-0 to go up on goals scored.
      His No16 jersey is hung up in the Rovers dressing room before every match.
      And the club’s fans have been giving a round of applause in the 16th minute of their games.
      The Rovers squad shaved their heads in solidarity with Anderton in January.
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      A fundraiser has also been set up for him which has raised £46,000 to date.
      And Rovers manager Joey Barton completed the Manchester Marathon last weekend following a promise he made to Anderton. More

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      Ryan Reynolds promises to make Wrexham fan’s dying wish come true after he was diagnosed with cancer

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      RYAN REYNOLDS has promised to meet a Wrexham fan on Saturday after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.The Hollywood actor, 46, who took over as co-owner of the Welsh outfit alongside TV star Rob McElhenney, 46, in 2020, will celebrate promotion to League Two this weekend providing his side beat Boreham Wood.
      Ryan Reynolds has pledged to meet Wrexham fan Jay on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Reynolds previously sent Jay a message via social mediaCredit: BBC
      Wrexham fan Jay Fear, 45, who has been given tickets to the match, was diagnosed with terminal appendix cancer in January – despite doctors previously giving him the all-clear.
      He will travel up from Southampton for the match on Saturday evening as The Racecourse Ground prepares for a party atmosphere.
      And Reynolds has pledged to meet Jay after the supporter mentioned he would love to spend a moment with the Deadpool star.
      Speaking to the BBC, Jay said: “I’ve always loved Ryan Reynolds, ever since Van Wilder [a film Reynolds starred in 21 years ago].
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      “I remember watching that for the first time and thinking that guy was cool.
      “I started watching the [Welcome to] Wrexham programme on Disney Plus and when you watch that you can’t help but love Wrexham.
      “It would be so nice to go to a Wrexham game and actually meet Ryan Reynolds at the same time.”
      The request was sent to Reynolds on Twitter by BBC journalist Peter Gillibrand.
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      The actor then replied: “I’ll find him. Any idea where he’s sitting?”
      Reynolds’ gesture came after he previously sent Jay a private video message.
      In the clip, he said: “I just wanted to send a video and let you know that I’m thinking about you.
      “I’m whispering because my children are asleep, so this is just a little quiet time in the house, which is nice.
      “I know that words are probably too clumsy to express what it is that you are going through, but I want you to know that I’m in your corner and hope that I get to meet you in person one of these days and I’m sending you tons of love Jay.”
      Following the video, Jay’s son, Sam, said: “It’s really taken off a lot. Seeing how many times it’s been shared, is really amazing for our family. The power of social media is incredible.”
      Reacting to Reynolds’ promise to meet Jay, one person on social media said: “This is amazing. What a kind hearted gesture. But we wouldn’t expect less of RRR.”
      Another replied: “That’s Ryan Reynolds for you. One of the nicest people on this planet making dreams come true day after day. I can’t wait to see Jay and Ryan meet this Saturday ❤️.”
      And a third added: “He’s just a genuinely good dude. Love that guy.”
      Wrexham, who have not been in League Two since 2008, will win the National League and secure promotion to the fourth tier with a win over Boreham Wood.
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      They sit four points clear of Notts County with two games remaining.
      Reynolds and McElhenney will fly over from America for the huge match – just like they did for the colossal 3-2 victory over Notts County earlier this month. More

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      Ex-Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas says he wanted to ‘let go of life’ in emotional interview about death of his wife

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      FORMER Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas has opened up on the experience of losing his wife to cancer and how God helped him pull through. The Premier League host’s wife Gemma died at the age of 40 just four days after receiving an acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis. 
      Simon Thomas has opened up on the death of his first wife GemmaCredit: TikTok / @streams.studio
      Gemma died suddenly due to cancerCredit: Instagram / @simonthomastv
      Thomas has since re-marriedCredit: Instagram / @simonthomastv
      Thomas was left to care for his young son Ethan and consequently took a step back from life in front of the camera.
      Gemma’s sudden death left Thomas at rock bottom but in an inspirational interview he highlights how he kept going, re-found his faith and went on to find love again in new wife Derrina Jebb.
      Thomas spoke to Streams Studio, saying: “We went from Monday night with her being diagnosed with a blood cancer of some sort. For a couple of days, things were looking OK, the treatment was going well but then things just cartwheeled out of control. 
      “On the Friday she falls unconscious and by 8:30 on Friday morning I’m being told by a consultant ‘she’s not going to see out the day’.
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      “The very foundations on which your life has been built are trembling, there’s a massive life earthquake going on.
      “And by 5.45pm on that Friday in November 2017 at the age of 40, with an eight-year-old son and a husband, she’s gone. 
      “The first thing I did when I came out of that hospital was I just sank to my knees and shouted at God: ‘Why? Why, why, why? Why’ve you left my boy without a mum, I don’t get it, I don’t get you God’.”
      Thomas opened up on the anger he had towards his religion and how he collapsed to his knees at Gemma’s funeral before being picked up by a friend and a peaceful service occurred as he remembered good moments.
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      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
      However, Thomas was still struggling, saying: “I remember on the Saturday morning after funeral waking up as low as I’d ever been.
      “I walked out of the house in my dressing gown and sat on this tree right by the River Thames at the end of the garden in Reading where we lived at the time. 
      “I felt like I was just in this fog of grief and pain and I leant up against this tree and it was only a brief moment, but this moment came when I felt this darkness so inescapable and so oppressive that I thought ‘I can’t do it. I cannot do this, I’m not cut out for this grief.
      “I’m not cut out for being strong enough to navigate my boy through the next few years, and I just wanted to roll into the Thames. I kind of just wanted to let go of life for a minute. 
      “Thankfully, two things happened. I got an image of Ethan and I thought ‘I can’t, he’s just lost his mum.’
      “But the most powerful thing that happened, was I looked to my left and had this really strong sense that there was someone sat there, and I could see the image of this man who was just looking at me, saying nothing.
      “I could just see him weeping and then he was gone. To this day, I believe, and it felt so strong at that time, that that was Jesus sat alongside me.
      “I felt like Jesus right there in that moment was saying ‘I understand, I’ve been there. I know what this feels like, I am going to walk you through this.’
      “I remember feeling this surge of strength coming through me and I thought ‘I’ve got to get up, I’m going to walk back to the house, and I’m not giving up.'”
      Thomas explained that he thought life would never be good again before remembering God gives second chances.
      His opportunity for happiness came in the form of his new partner Derrina, who tied the knot in 2021 and have had a daughter named Talitha.
      Thomas says: “To see how God has brought love into my life again with Derrina has been the biggest surprise but just an amazing blessing.
      “I never thought someone would love me, way too much baggage. And yet he has brought restoration in terms of love. 
      “And now to have a daughter, who came through a really difficult premature period, and to see God at work in that situation, how he cared for her, cared for Derrina, cared for us as a family, and brought us through. 
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      “God is the God of second chances, God is the God who rebuilds lives, who brings restoration out of wreckage and that’s been the story of my life for the last five years.”
      Thomas now works for Amazon Prime Video and campaigns to raise awareness for blood cancer, the fifth most common cancer in the country.
      Ex-Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas says he wanted to ‘let go of life’ in emotional interview about death of his wifeCredit: TikTok / @streams.studio More

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      in Boxing

      Jermaine Franklin’s trainer calls out Tony Bellew for exhibition bout following near scrap at Anthony Joshua fight

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      JERMAINE FRANKLIN’s trainer has called out Tony Bellew for a charity dust-up following their clash at The O2 last weekend.The pair had to be separated from one another moments after the final bell of Franklin’s defeat to Anthony Joshua last Saturday.
      Anthony Joshua was almost embroiled in an altercation with Jermaine Franklin’s trainerCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      Lorenzo Reynolds then had after with Tony BellewCredit: YOUTUBE / FROCH ON FIGHTING
      Bellew was dragged away from the scene – but he’s since been called out by ReynoldsCredit: SUNSPORT / CHISANGA MALATA
      Lorenzo Reynolds, 55, still wants to settle his beef with The Bomber – albeit in an exhibition bout to raise funds for cancer-stricken children.
      He told The Express: “I read an article with him [Bellew] saying he would’ve chinned me, and I just think it would be the opposite honestly. I’m in great shape.
      “I’m in the shape of my life and he’s pretty much looking like, a 55-year-old soccer dad with a suit on.
      “So, if Bellew has a problem we can do an exhibition and donate 50 per cent of the purse to kids who are fighting cancer, like James.”
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      Reynolds has accused former WBC cruiserweight king Bellew of harbouring a grudge against him before their ill-tempered clash.
      He said: “There seemed like there was an issue on his end [Bellew’s] before the fight. I saw him at the weigh-in.
      ” And so, after the weigh-in, Jermaine and the team, we walked around the mall for a little while and we crossed paths with Bellew, and the guy who was walking with Bellew, he shook Jermaine’s hand.
      “And Bellew, he rolled his eyes and turned his body and walked the other way.
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      “So, I don’t know if he just, you know, feels like since he’s in close proximity with Joshua, that he just had to kind of have a jerkish type behaviour.
      “But that’s what I got from him. So, at the fight, it was like, ‘Wow. Okay. So there was already something there then.’”
      Bellew blamed his handbags with Reynolds on the American moving aggressively to Joshua after the fight.
      And Reynolds wants to put an end to their beef “like gentlemen.”
      He said: “If Tony Belly, and make sure you say, I call him Tony Belly.
      Anthony Joshua registered a scrappy points victory over Jermaine Franklin at The O2Credit: RICHARD PELHAM
      “If he knows where the gym is at, and he’s willing to sign for this exhibition then let’s do it.
      “And like I said, 50 per cent of the money can go to cancer.
      “We would love to take that, and we can handle our differences in the ring and then after the exhibition, we can drink some tea.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But, definitely we have a disagreement and like, gentlemen, let’s handle it the right way in the boxing ring.
      “We can do it that way because evidently, there’s some smoke that needs to be cleared.” More

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      Jermain Defoe reunites with Bradley Lowery’s mum in sweet pictures six years after brave Sunderland fan died

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      JERMAIN DEFOE has reunited with Bradley Lowery’s mother six years after the brave football fan’s death.Sunderland-mad Bradley’s courageous battle against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma touched the hearts of millions of people, before he sadly passed away, aged 6.
      Jermain Defoe reunited with Bradley Lowery’s mother, GemmaCredit: Instagram @iamjermaindefoe
      The meeting was six years after Bradley diedCredit: Instagram @iamjermaindefoe
      The young Sunderland fan and Defoe built up a firm friendshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bradley struck up a close bond with then-Sunderland player Defoe, who became his “best friend” in his final days.
      And Defoe, now 40, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram as he revealed that Bradley’s mother Gemma would be a guest on his podcast.
      The post was captioned: “A very emotional day with special guest @glowery83 on my @bbcsounds podcast today. Thank you so much for your time 🙏🏼.
      “It was so nice to talk about his journey and all the amazing work you are still doing for @bradleysfight to raise awareness on child cancer and support other children and families.
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      “He will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️.”
      Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, battled cancer most of his young life before he lost his fight on July 7 2017.
      The six-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of just 18 months.
      He beat the disease once but after some time in remission it came back in 2016.
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      Bradley sadly passed away in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association
      It was then that Bradley got the chance to meet his hero Defoe, when he led out his beloved Sunderland against Everton at the Stadium of Light.
      The footballer described walking out on to the pitch with the little mascot as the highlight of his time at the club.
      And former England striker Defoe would text the six-year-old’s mum first thing every morning for updates.
      Defoe broke down in emotional scenes during a press conference on the eve of Bradley’s death, telling reporters the boy would “always be in my heart”.
      He was honoured with an OBE in the Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his charity work and he dedicated the gong to Bradley.
      The Bradley Lowery Foundation was set up in the youngster’s memory. It aims to help other people with terminal illnesses. More

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      Bournemouth star David Brooks in line for Wales return after 536-day cancer lay-off, confirms boss Robert Page

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      DAVID BROOKS is in line for a Wales return in June following his cancer battle.The Bournemouth ace, who has recovered from Stage-2 Hodgkin lymphoma, had a cameo as a substitute in the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa last weekend after 536 days out.
      David Brooks could make his return to the Wales teamCredit: Alamy
      Coach Robert Page has said he could play a part in the futureCredit: AFP
      Then Brooks, 25, scored a hat-trick in a 45-minute outing for the Cherries’ development side as they beat Portsmouth 5-2 in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.
      Wales boss Robert Page has hailed Brooks’ powers of recovery but left the 21-cap star out of his squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia because he felt it came too soon.
      But Page has given Brooks the realistic target of a summer comeback for the Dragons, with Group D clashes versus Armenia and Turkey.
      Page said: “We had a positive conversation. It’s a great achievement for him after what he has been through.
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      “He has had his first involvement, and it’s all about his rehab now and getting match fitness.
      “It was unrealistic for him to come for these two games against  Croatia and Latvia. But I have told him about how important he is for me — and to the future of Welsh football.
      “There are camps in June, and he can’t wait to be a part of it again.
      “He is an incredible talent, so to have someone like him coming back into the fold is great for all of us and gives us all a lift.”
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      Brooks’ treble versus Pompey did not go unnoticed by his Wales team-mates, who are preparing for their opening qualifier in  Split on Saturday.
      Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham, a close pal of Brooks for club and country, said: “I was buzzing.
      “I knew he had a game, and I was checking on my phone… one goal, David Brooks, two goals, three goals.
      “I was slightly disappointed when I saw the goals themselves. I wouldn’t say it’s the most exhilarating hat trick I’ve ever seen in my life!
      “But it was good to see, especially with what he’s gone through. And to have an amazing moment of coming on the other day for his first Premier League game back.” More

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      Bournemouth star David Brooks scores a hat-trick on his first start since his cancer battle

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      DAVID BROOKS hit a hat-trick on his first start since his cancer battle.The Bournemouth ace, who had a cameo at Aston Villa last weekend, netted three in a 45-minute outing as the development side beat Portsmouth 5-2 in the Hampshire Senior Cup.
      David Brooks came on after 536 days on the sidelines following his cancer battle as a second half substitute against Aston Villa last weekendCredit: PA
      Brooks netted his treble by bundling in the first from close range before a strike with both his left and right foot in front of the watching Cherries boss Gary O’Neil at the Vitality Stadium.
      Bournemouth’s official twitter account tweeted: “The perfect return for @DRBrooks15.
      “The winger netted a hat-trick for the development squad this evening.”
      It was the first time Brooks has scored since August 2021 when he found the back of the net against Nottingham Forest.
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      The 25-year-old has battled back from his Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in October 2021.
      But the Wales attacker revealed he was ‘cancer free’ last October.
      After 529 days, Brooks was in the Bournemouth matchday squad and an unused sub against Liverpool earlier this month.
      Then Brooks, who has 21 Welsh caps, came off for the final 11 minutes of the Cherries’ 3-0 Prem defeat at Villa Park on Saturday.
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      But Brooks will hope his goalscoring return can provide a personal boost ahead of the season run-in and a possible Wales return for Euro 2024 qualifiers in June.  More

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      I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2018 and credit Tottenham coach and Charlton legend for saving my life

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      PROSTATE CANCER UK advocate Chris Powell is the reason Southend United fan Keith Smith believes he is still alive.Back in 2018, the Shrimpers fan was diagnosed with prostate cancer by his GP.
      Chris Powell is an advocate for Prostate Cancer UKCredit: Getty

      Lucky for Smith, it was caught early.
      The football supporter had heard Powell, who was manager of Southend at that point, champion the renowned charity.
      So, Smith took on the now Tottenham coach’s advice and went for a check up.
      Not only was prostate cancer detected, a small tumour on his kidney was also found.
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      Emotionally connected to Powell, Keith has stayed in touch with the Charlton legend.
      The pair were recently reunited at an U21 fixture between Spurs and Brighton at Hotspur Way.
      Keith told Tottenham Hotspur’s website: “Since I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2018, I’ve felt this kindred spirit with Chris.”
      “I’ve got no doubt in my mind that if it wasn’t for Chris, I wouldn’t be standing here today, it’s a simple as that. I’ll be eternally grateful to him, he’s a top guy as everyone already knows and it’s just nice to catch up again.
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      “I’ve followed his career, seen him on the England bench, here at Spurs as well, so to be here today with him at the Training Centre is a real honour. The facilities here are brilliant, absolutely unbelievable, out of this world.
      “I never realised, especially supporting a lower league team, how different it could be – everything is new, crisp, the people are so nice, the staff are so friendly… it’s absolutely fantastic and anyone who works for the club or plays for the club here is a very lucky person.
      “My message now is the same as the one Chris gave me – it’s very important that awareness of prostate cancer is raised among the general public and to encourage people to get checked.
      “My mantra has always been ‘a blood test won’t kill you, but prostate cancer can’ so everyone has that incentive to go. If you’ve previously had any cases of prostate cancer in your family, go and get yourself checked as well so that we can help to beat this disease.”
      Today, Keith is an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK along with Powell.
      And they support the ‘Prostate FC’ initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the risk factors, fund research and save lives in every football club across the UK.
      Powell said: “It means so much to me that I’ve got to know someone who was suffering from prostate cancer, who heard my message and is a survivor. Sometimes I don’t realise how big that is, to have helped save someone.
      “If it wasn’t for my work and involvement with Prostate Cancer UK, we may have lost Keith but thankfully he’s still here to enjoy his life. It’s great that we’re still in touch – he loves football, he loves Southend, but I think I’ve got us another Spurs fan now!
      “He and his wife were my guests to watch an Under-21 game and I know they couldn’t believe what the club is like in terms of the Training Centre, how it works and how great everyone here is. I just wanted to spend some time with him, as we’re both big ambassadors for the cause now.
      “What I would say to any Spurs fan is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, which include age, ethnicity and family risk.
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      “Fans can go on the Prostate Cancer UK website where there is so much information, including a brilliant 30-second risk checker which may save your life.
      “More importantly tell your partner, your uncle, your brother and talk to your GP if you are worried. I get myself checked on my birthday every year – that’s my gift to myself – so that’s the way I remember.”
      Powell was a Charlton legend as a playerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More