Cancer (disease)

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      Sky Sports legend Adam Smith announces departure from channel after three decades as he wins brutal cancer battle

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      ADAM SMITH has announced his departure from Sky Sports after overcoming his cancer battle.The Sky Sports legend revealed that he made “magical memories” while at the broadcaster.
      Adam Smith has left Sky Sports after three decadesCredit: Getty
      Smith had been working at Sky Sports since August 1994 but will now not return to the channel.
      He admitted that during his year away his battle with cancer had been “brutal”.
      But now cancer-free, he insists he “cannot wait” for his new adventure and that he is “raring to go”.
      He shared the news on Instagram, where he has over 30k followers.
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      Smith wrote: “Hope everyone is well… new, exciting beginnings and challenges for me after a wonderful, incredible, three-decade journey at the amazing place that is Sky Sports.
      “A brutal year away recovering from serious illness – health has given me the opportunity to think of my wider passions in sport – taking a deeper interest in the development of sportsmen and women and presenting/commentating on a broader canvas.
      “I am cancer free and raring to go.
      “Thanks to everyone at Sky – all my super-talented colleagues past and present – for the most magical memories.
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      Smith has won multiple awards during his careerCredit: Reuters
      “Time for me to fly and I cannot wait!”
      Smith received plenty of messages wishing him luck on his next chapter.
      One fan wrote: “Amazing news, Adam! So pleased to hear this.”
      A second commented: “Welcome back Adam. Look forward to hearing you back on comms for some big fights!”
      A third said: “All the best mate. Top man.”
      Another added: “The best commentator in the game. Glad that you’re cancer free!”
      During his career, he won the Broadcast Award and RTS Award as well as being nominated for a BAFTA, SJA and The Sports Book Awards.
      He has provided the commentary for some of the most iconic fights in the past three decades, including Floyd Mayweather’s bout with Conor McGregor as well as Anthony Joshua’s clash with Vladimir Klitschko.  More

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      Brave ex-Liverpool and Leeds star opens up on having brain tumour while PLAYING and recovery from life-saving operation

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      DOMINIC MATTEO has bravely opened up on the brain tumour which nearly cost him his life.The former Leeds United and Liverpool defender was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumour in 2019 after suffering from persistent headaches.
      Former Liverpool and Leeds star Dominic Matteo was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019Credit: REUTERS
      Matteo underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumourCredit: BBC
      Matteo has had to relearn how to read and writeCredit: BBC
      Matteo has revealed doctors told him he had the tumour during his playing daysCredit: Reuters
      Matteo was immediately referred to Leeds General Infirmary after the diagnosis, but his condition worsened.
      The former Scotland international suffered a seizure due to the immense pressure being put on his brain.
      And doctors had no choice but to perform emergency surgery to remove the tumour – from which he is still recovering.
      Now, Matteo – who hung up his boots in 2009 – has revealed doctors informed him the tumour had most likely already formed while he was still playing.
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      Recalling the ordeal to the BBC, Matteo, 49, said: “You can’t believe it, can you?
      “Obviously you get told what it is and it’s been a childhood cancer and you’ve probably played your whole career with a brain tumour in your head.”
      Now that he’s out of the woods, Matteo feels comfortable enough to crack some light-hearted jokes about the ordeal.
      He continued: “I might have been a better player mightn’t I?”
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      Dominic Matteo’s head after surgeryCredit: BBC
      Matteo’s family were held together during the difficult time by wife Jessica.
      Recalling her husband’s illness, she said: “It started off with headaches and a little bit of blurred vision.
      “And within 48 hours, Dom was blind. He had a massive seizure, he was in a wheelchair and he had very little speech.”
      She told the Daily Mail last year: “Dom’s surgeon Ryan Mathew took him down to theatre at 5.15pm and told me to go home to try to get some sleep.
      “But I didn’t sleep a wink. I perched on the edge of my bed waiting for the phone call, which finally came at 3am, after Dom had been in theatre for almost 10 hours.
      “It seemed like an eternity, but it was the best phone call of my life.
      “Ryan said he’d removed 90-95 per cent of Dom’s tumour and that he was doing really well.
      “He said he was sorry that he may have lost the sight in Dom’s right eye.
      Dominic Matteo owes much of his recovery to his wife JessicaCredit: BBC
      “But I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude that he was OK.”
      Matteo’s arduous, and still ongoing recovery, has included having to relearn how to read and write.
      He has come a long way and admits he’s still not fully processed the life-changing ordeal.
      Matteo said: “It was so surreal, really.
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      “Because, like you say, you go from working doing TV or, you know, and the next thing you know you’re fighting for your life.
      “I think when I look back and look back at the photos of the surgery you’re going through, you’re llke, ‘Wow.'” More

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      Inside Bill Kenwright’s health battle as legend who played Gordon Clegg in Corrie dies months after cancer surgery

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      EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died just months after having a cancerous tumour removed from his liver. The ex-Corrie star’s loved ones said he “passed away peacefully” last night. He was 78.
      Bill Kenwright tragically died last night, his family have revealedCredit: 2019 Everton FC
      The 78-year-old’s death came after a long health struggleCredit: 2018 Getty Images
      Kenwright’s heartbroken family said he died surrounded by those he loved after a “long battle with illness”.
      Just weeks ago the grandfather went under the knife after a growth was found on his liver.
      The former actor, who played Gordon Clegg in  Coronation Street, was then forced to stay in intensive care due to complications with the surgery.
      Kenwright was not released from hospital until earlier this month, but it was then he was told he could continue his treatment at home.
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      At the time a club statement read: “Everton would like to provide a short update on the health of our Chairman, Bill Kenwright.
      “Following a diagnosis at the beginning of August, Mr Kenwright underwent a major medical procedure six weeks ago to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver. 
      “The procedure was completely successful, but complications during surgery necessitated a prolonged period in an intensive care unit. 
      “Mr Kenwright is now out of intensive care and has left hospital.
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      “Right up until the day of the procedure the Chairman had continued to carry out all his club duties, working hard alongside Mr Moshiri to facilitate the proposed takeover by 777 Partners and supporting Kevin Thelwell with the Club’s summer transfer activity.”
      This saw the masses send him their well wishes, and hopes for a speedy recovery.
      Tragically, his club and family today confirmed his death.
      His partner Jenny Seagrove and daughter Lucy said they were “devastated” to share the news.
      They said it came after a long battle with illness, but did not give any further details.
      Actress Jenny also shared a photo of Kenwright on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “I lost my darling Bill last night.”
      In their own statement, Everton said the club was “in mourning” following the tragedy.
      The team added: “Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
      “A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
      “In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
      “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration.
      “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
      He has been chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.
      Kenwright was also one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.
      He was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.
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      The former actor, who was on Corrie in 1968, was married to theatre star Jenny.
      He was previously married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980 and then went on to date Virginia Stride, who he shares a daughter and two grandchildren with.
      Kenwright played Gordon Clegg in CorrieCredit: ITV More

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      Emotional Graeme Souness leads stars at Francis Lee’s funeral as world of football honours Man City and England legend

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      SCORES of mourners turned out to pay their respects to the late Francis Lee.The former Manchester City and England star passed away earlier this month aged 79 following a long battle with cancer.
      Former Manchester City striker Francis Lee passed away this month aged 79Credit: REX
      Lee passed away following a long battle with cancerCredit: GETTY
      The beloved Lee was laid to rest by his family on ThursdayCredit: SPLASH
      Graeme Souness was one of several former players in attendance to pay their respectsCredit: PA
      Lee – who scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for City – was laid to rest by his friends and family on Thursday morning following a service at Manchester Cathedral.
      Lee’s former City team-mates Tony Book, Mike Summerbee and Joe Royle were among the mourners, as was ex-Sky Blue Micah Richards.
      Graeme Souness was also in attendance and looked emotional before the service.
      City paid tribute to their late striker immediately after learning of his passing, writing: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
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      “A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”
      It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.”
      Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Francis will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greats.
      “His critical contribution to the Club’s unprecedented success in the 60s and 70s was characterised by flair, dynamism and excitement.
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      Francis Lee’s funeral was well-attendedCredit: SPLASH
      The service for the late Lee was held at Manchester CathedralCredit: SPLASH
      Lee’s former Manchester City team-mate Tony Book was in attendanceCredit: PA
      Joe Royle also attended the service of his former City team-mateCredit: PA
      Micah Richards also paid his respects to the late LeeCredit: PA
      “His record as the Club’s top scorer for five consecutive seasons, his many goals for Club and Country, and his 27 England caps, are all testament to his quality as a player.
      “These are records that will stand the test of time.
      “But, what should also never be forgotten is that, as both player and Chairman, he constantly demonstrated his love, passion and commitment to the Club.
      “It was an extension of his larger-than-life personality. A personality that made an impression wherever he went.
      “His passing will sadden not only those connected to Manchester City, but the wider football family.
      “On behalf of everyone at the Club, our thoughts, thanks, and deepest sympathies are with Francis’ family and friends.”
      Summerbee said of his late and beloved pal: “It is an honour to be able to say Francis Lee was both a friend and teammate.
      “He is a man I will always hold in the highest regard – a truly brilliant footballer and a fantastic person.
      The late Lee was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2016Credit: SPLASH
      “Much of what Manchester City achieved in the 60s and 70s was down to Francis.
      “He was a superb goalscorer and a man who could create chances from nothing.
      “He is, quite rightly, seen as one of this club’s best-ever players.
      “This is desperately sad news for Francis’ friends and family – but also for Manchester City Football Club. We have lost a true giant.
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      “I want to send my thoughts and prayers to his wonderful wife Gill and his children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik.
      “Everyone at Manchester City is thinking of you.” More

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      My son lost a leg to cancer but now he’s playing football for England after a remarkable operation

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      TEENAGER Charlie Hewson plays football for England — after docs performed incredible surgery to save his leg.Charlie was just nine months old when he was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Ewing sarcoma in his left thigh bone.
      Charlie Hewson, 13, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma bone cancer when he was just nine months old but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a football prodigyCredit: Dan Charity
      Charlie plays for the England amputee teamCredit: Dan Charity
      In a remarkable op, surgeons removed the upper part of his leg, then reattached and swivelled the lower section, so his foot became his knee joint.
      Charlie, now 13, then adapted so well to his new prosthetic leg, he fulfilled his dream of playing football.
      Mum Kate, 46, who lives in Lindfield, West Sussex, with husband Chris, 47, and their daughter Martha, ten, said: “He plays for the amputee England team and also Chelsea and Brighton amputee teams too, and he loves it.
      “We are so proud watching him play after everything he’s been through.”
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      Kate and Chris first thought Charlie’s swollen leg was from an insect bite and were stunned to be told it was cancer.
      He had six rounds of chemo before becoming one of the first patients in the UK to have a “rotationplasty”, where his lower leg was moved into his hip joint and rotated.
      More chemo followed at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital when the cancer spread — but six months after surgery, the Charlton ­Athletic fan had a prosthetic leg fitted.
      Kate added: “Charlie has always been mad about football, and over the years he’s had prosthetic limbs painted in his favourite team colours.”
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      She said he is an “inspiration”, adding: “It was amazing they managed to carry out this surgery.
      “If they’d had to take his whole leg away, it would have been a whole different ball game for Charlie.”
      In a remarkable operation, surgeons removed the upper part of his leg, then reattached and swivelled the lower section, so his foot became his knee jointCredit: Dan Charity
      Charlie’s mum Kate added: ‘Charlie has always been mad about football’Credit: Dan Charity More

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      I’ve loved Carlisle for 50 years… I was hooked when we replaced Man Utd in the old first division, says boss Simpson

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      PAUL SIMPSON’S love affair with Carlisle goes back to when the club replaced Manchester United in the top flight.The Cumbrians were promoted from the old second division in 1974 for the only time in their history while the Red Devils got relegated.
      Paul Simpson speaks to Justin Allen at Brunton Park about his love affair with Carlisle
      Simpson celebrated promotion with his Carlisle team at Wembley in May
      Carlisle spent one season rubbing shoulders with football royalty and an eight-year-old Simpson got inspired by his Brunton Park heroes.
      The Cumbrians boss, now 57, told SunSport: “My dad first took me during the promotion-winning season of 1973-74. We had players such as John Gorman, Bill Green, Ray Train, Joe Laidlaw and later the likes of George McVitie.
      “The team didn’t have any standout star players until Peter Beardsley joined in 1979 when he was starting out.
      “It was at that moment you thought, ‘Wow, if I can just be like him’ — but we did well with a group of players that had a real togetherness.”
      Although Simpson went on to have an illustrious playing career for Manchester City, Oxford, Derby, Wolves Blackpool and Rochdale, his heart has always been in Cumbria.
      So it was apt he finished his playing career with the club before managing them.
      And there was something poetic about Simpson returning to the club last year for a second spell in charge. During his first stint, he took the club from the National League to League One in back-to-back seasons before leaving to take charge of Preston.
      This time around he saved the club from dropping back into non-league before winning promotion to League One … again in consecutive seasons.
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      So does Simpson have unfinished business having left the club in the third tier last time around.
      He said: “I don’t feel that way. Football is constantly changing and evolving. Players, coaches and managers all make decisions they believe are right for themselves and I made one to leave in 2006 because it was right for me and my family to do that. 
      “I love Carlisle United and people questioned that, thinking I was telling lies when I left. Back then I was at the start of my coaching managerial career. I’ve no regrets about doing it.
      “It was the right thing to leave then and it was the right decision to return last year.
      “I’m no longer chasing to be the best manager in the world, which you do as a young coach. 
      “My life is happy. I love living back in Carlisle. I’ve got a really good family here. My first granddaughter was born last year so we’re enjoying it.”
      Simpson went on to boss Preston, Shrewsbury, Stockport, Northwich Victoria before working as an assistant at Derby and Newcastle under Steve McClaren.
      He also managed England Under-20, where he won the World Cup in South Korea in 2020 before a short spell as assistant at Bristol City then his homecoming to Cumbria.
      And Simpson questioned whether he should return to frontline club management after a decade out of it — having only had a short stint at Northwich in non-league after leaving Stockport.
      He said: “I regret taking the Stockport job. I was lied to about what setup there was and how it was all going to be and that six months was the worst decision I made. 
      Paul Simpson lifts the play-off trophy with keeper Tomas Holy
      “I went into a club different to what it is now. It was in turmoil and there was back stabbing going on between the directors and stuff like that.
      “I needed time away to go and try to educate myself and learn from other people so I went to Portugal and headed up an academy there. I came back and did some work for the Premier League and some media stuff. Then I got the chance to go to Derby with Steve McClaren, then to Newcastle and four years at the FA so I had a long time out of it.
      “You get to a point where you think, ‘I can still be a club manager but I don’t know if I want it to take over my life again’ so getting the opportunity to come here was good. 
      “What I’ve discovered is I’m calmer and clearer about what I want. I’m also better at delegating because I was one of those fellas who used to do everything.
      “I’ve realised you can’t do everything, you need to have good staff around you and that’s something that Steve McClaren taught me. We never spoke about it but what he did was get good people around him, he trusted them and that’s what I’ve learned to do as well.”
      Paul Simpson during his Carlisle playing days
      Paul Simpson has learned to delegate in his older years
      But with him every step of the way has been his wife and rock Jacqui, through his ups and downs in football and his fight against kidney cancer two years ago.
      He said: “We’ve been married 35 years and lived in 27 different places so it’s crazy but she’s supported me along with our three boys.
      “I remember when I was at Oxford and living there, I left home one Wednesday morning to have talks with Derby and never stepped foot in the house again. Jacqui sold it, moved us out and found our place in Derby. She’s brilliant. 
      “In a career like this, you’ve got to have someone alongside you who’s going to support you and Jac’s certainly done that job.”
      Simpson is philosophical about his cancer scare — and never felt “lucky” to beat that awful disease.
      He said: “Because I’m lucky to still be involved in football, I don’t wake up thinking ‘You’re really lucky now because you’ve survived cancer.’ 
      “From the minute I was told I had it, the surgeon was brilliant, and he was so positive that at no point did I think I was going to be a negative story.
      “I convinced myself this was going to be a good story because unfortunately you hear bad ones. Everybody wants to tell you about horrible stories and you rarely hear the good ones. 
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      “People would say ‘I’m really sorry’ and I was like ‘No, it’s fine. This is going to be a good story. This is fine, I’m going to be OK.’ 
      “I had that philosophy on it, so it hasn’t changed my view on life. I know I’m lucky to still be involved in football from starting in 1982 at Man City to still being here now in 2023. I crack on and get on with it.” More

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      How Man City and England star went from playing in the World Cup to becoming a millionaire selling toilet paper

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      A LEGENDARY footballer and England star went from playing in the World Cup to becoming a millionaire toilet paper tycoon.Iconic former Manchester City striker, Francis Lee, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club.
      The iconic footballer went from playing in the World Cup to a millionaire selling toilet paperCredit: Getty
      Tragic news of the England legend’s death at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer was announced yesterday.
      The iconic player was a legend in his native Lancashire and had become a household name across a successful 17-year career.
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his seven years at Maine Road between 1967 and 1974.
      The player stared his career at Bolton in 1959, and went on to earn 27 caps for England between 1968 and 1972, scoring 10 goals.

      “Franny” Lee was awarded with Man City’s Player of the Year award in 1970 as well as the First Division Golden Boot in 1972.
      Lee won the second First Division title of his career when he joined Derby in 1974.
      Two years later year he hung up his boots. However, he returned to Man City in 1994 where he held the job of chairman for four years.
      After his retirement from playing, Francis went on to continue his successful career as a businessman.
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      The entrepreneur had set up a company manufacturing toilet and kitchen roll made from recycled paper when he was still a footballer.
      Based in his hometown of Westhoughton, Bolton, F.H Lee eventually expanded to selling handkerchiefs, kitchen foil, and cling film.
      It went on to become a major UK supplier to several huge firms.
      Comedy legend Peter Kay even worked for the company as a young man.
      Speaking to The Bolton News, Francis once said: “I was in business all the time I was playing football.
      “It was part of the condition set by my father that if I wanted to try and become a footballer I had to plan for when the game had finished.”
      He also added racehorse training to his list of profitable ventures after his final match.
      In 1984, the toilet roll company sold for a whopping £8.35million.
      Following his death, Man City released a statement yesterday  saying: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
      “A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”
      It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
      “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
      “More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
      The England star is survived by his wife, Gill, and their three children, Charlotte, Jonny and Nik.
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      Francis Lee scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for Manchester CityCredit: PA
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ CupCredit: PA More

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      Jermain Defoe blasts ‘appalling’ Bradley Lowery yob who used pic of tragic six-year-old to taunt rival fans

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      JERMAIN Defoe has slammed an “appalling” yob who used a picture of his brave pal Bradley Lowery to taunt rival football fans.The ex-Sunderland star struck up a close friendship with Bradley, six, before his death from cancer in 2017.
      Defoe became close friends with Bradley
      Houghton sparked fury over the vile act
      He said he was “appalled and saddened” after Dale Houghton, 31, was snapped using a picture of the youngster to mock Sunderland fans during Friday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
      Defoe told Mail Online: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Jermain’s comments come after Houghton today admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      The disgraced fan now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      He will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
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      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      She also told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      Houghton was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma today for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
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      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged six
      Jermain with Bradley before an England match at Wembley in 2017Credit: Reuters
      Houghton will be sentenced next month More