Cancer (disease)

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      Heartbroken Alan Shearer reveals death of his dad and says MOTD will be ‘tough’ after theme tune was played at funeral

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dad for the first time.The 54-year-old’s father, also named Alan, passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer.Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dadCredit: GettyHe admits it will be ‘tough’ returning to work on Match of the DayCredit: BBCShearer with wife LainyaCredit: GettyHe had been diagnosed in February having already fought and beat the cruel disease at the age of 65.It spread to his lungs and brain, leaving him with just months to live.Shearer has now opened up about the tragic death of his dad for the first time as he gets set to return to work on Match of the Day.In a column for The Athletic, he wrote: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was. We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the way, there were light and dark moments. We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours, but on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral. He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Shearer, who is married to wife Lainya and has three children – Hollie, Chloe and Will, also revealed that his dad wanted the Match of the Day theme tune played at his funeral.The ex-striker recalled: “Along with Will, my son, I’d carried his coffin into the crematorium — the hardest thing I’ve ever done — as the Match of the Day theme blared out, jaunty and loud.Most read in Premier League”The music was his decision too, although he pinched that idea from my mam, telling us shortly before he died that this was what he wanted.”Mixed emotions on MOTD returnShearer continued his broadcasting duties following the death of his dad, although he admits he “glided” through “with the blinkers on”.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHe now has mixed emotions about returning to work for the new Premier League season, which kicks off tonight.The Newcastle icon continued: “I got to the end of last season with the blinkers on. I appeared on Match of the Day a couple of times and glided through it, just as I did for my punditry work at the European Championship, but the here and now feels different.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough — very tough.”This won’t come as a total surprise to most of you, but like my dad, I’m not emotional by nature, yet at 54 years old I’m heading into my first season without him beside me, without him just there. It’s a void that can’t be filled and it still feels very raw.”Shearer will be working with a new look team on Match of the Day, with long-time fellow pundit Ian Wright having quit the show.Alan Shearer with his family (left-right) Hollie, Lainya, Will and Chloe after he was presented with a CBE in 2016Credit: GettyShearer’s family including wife Lainya and kids Hollie, Will and ChloeCredit: willshearer9/InstagramShearer will be back on Match of the Day this weekendCredit: BBC More

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      Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, 76, heartbreakingly reveals doctors can’t tell him how long he has left to live

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      SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON admits he doesn’t know how much longer he has left to live.The former England and Manchester City manager bravely revealed in January that he’s been battling pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed in January that he’s battling pancreatic cancer and that he’d been given a year to lifeCredit: GETTYThe former England manager admits he doesn’t know how much longer he has leftCredit: REUTERSDoctors initially gave the Swede – who managed the Three Lions for five years and three tournaments – “about a year” to live.But the 76-year-old has now revealed his doctors can’t give a definitive answer on when he’ll unfortunately lose his battle with the disease.Writing in his Telegraph column, the former Lazio and Roma manager said: “If you ask the doctors how long I have left they can’t answer.”Eriksson, sadly, has already accepted that the end of his colourful life is nigh.READ MORE ON SVENBut he’d rather not know when he’ll leave this world.”Does that worry me?” he asked. “I think it’s better not to know.”You usually find that everybody talks well about people when they are dead. I am lucky that they talk well about me while I am aliveSven-Goran ErikssonLike millions of cancer sufferers around the world, Eriksson has his good days and bad days.He said: “On a day-to-day basis it’s a little bit up and down. Some mornings I wake up feeling totally perfect.Most read in FootballSven-Goran Eriksson has tried to stay positive throughout his brave battle with the diseaseCredit: Getty”Well almost, and the other mornings it’s a problem. But the good days are still here and I am fine.”The outpouring of support and well-wishes he’s received since bravely announcing his diagnosis has moved Eriksson.Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, 75, reveals he has cancer and has ‘at best a year to live’He said: “I have travelled all over Sweden, England, Italy and Portugal and I’ve had tears in my eyes so often at the kindness of people.”You usually find that everybody talks well about people when they are dead. “I am lucky that they talk well about me while I am alive.”One person who has moved Eriksson over these last few emotional months is his former England skipper David Beckham, who recently visited him at his Bjorkefors farm.Recalling Becks’ visit, Eriksson said: “He came with six litres of wine from dates that were important to me.”He had wine from 1948 – the year I was born, very nice of him.”He is genuine, he could have been a big diva, but he is quite the opposite.” More

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      David Beckham pays heartwarming visit to Sven-Goran Eriksson as pair enjoy six special bottles of wine and Swedish meal

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      SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has revealed David Beckham recently spent the day with him at his Bjorkefors farm and brought along “six litres of wine” from dates which hold a special meaning to him.Eriksson went public in January with his terminal cancer diagnosis and admitted the “best case” scenario was that he had a year to live.Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson enjoyed a heart-warming day with David BeckhamCredit: APDavid Beckham enjoyed six bottles of wine with ErikssonCredit: GettyDuring an interview with Radio Sweden’s P4 Varmland channel the 76-year-old reflected with great pride on the visit of former England captain Beckham to his farm outside Sunne.Eriksson said: “He came with six litres of wine from dates that were important to me.”He had wine from 1948 – the year I was born, very nice of him. He is genuine, he could have been a big diva, but he is quite the opposite.”Beckham also had wine from 1982, the year Eriksson won the UEFA Cup with IFK Goteborg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd also brought a bottle from 2000, which was the season when he guided Lazio to the Serie A title.Eriksson continued: “He ate herring and potatoes and elk meat.It confirms, in a way, how great he is. He didn’t have to come here. I felt proud that he came.Sven-Goran Eriksson”The previous day he had sent a chef who fixed the food, and then he came and was here for a day. We sat chatting, a lot about football.”Eriksson, who managed England for five years before leaving after the 2006 World Cup, stood down from his role as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe managed a wealth of English talent, including Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups as well as at Euro 2004.Eriksson was able to fulfil a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool when he was given the opportunity to oversee the Liverpool Legends team against Ajax in March.Eriksson, who is a boyhood Liverpool fan, led the side to a 4-2 comeback victory at Anfield.England stars wishes for Sven-Goran Eriksson
      Joe Cole
      TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole, 42, was first in the tributes, recalling a heartwarming story from when he scored against Northern Ireland.
      Cole said: “I just wanted to wish you all the very best and say thank you for all the memories and all the help in my career, making my dream come true playing for England at a World Cup twice.”
      Paul Scholes
      Scholes said: “Hello Sven, I hope you’re doing okay and all the best for the recovery.
      “I just wanted to say it was an absolute pleasure to play for England for you.”
      Michael Owen
      2001 Ballon d’Or winner Owen said: “I hope this finds you in good spirits, I hope you’re keeping fine and I hope you’re enjoying the current England team.”
      Steven Gerrard
      In January, Liverpool legend Gerrard said: “I just wanted to send you my best wishes, send you my love and support.
      “I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and I’m really looking forward to playing under you at Anfield in March. It will be really special.”
      Gary Neville
      “I’m just sending youall my best wishes and thank you for all the support you gave me whilst with England.
      “I’d love to be able to see you soon.”

      Eriksson declared he has pancreatic cancer earlier this year on Swedish radio station P1.The Swedish icon revealed how he sought medical help after he suddenly collapsed while going on a 5km run.After consulting doctors, he was told he had suffered a stroke and had incurable cancer.He told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.What is pancreatic cancer?
      PANCREATIC cancer is the tenth most common type of cancer in the UK and the fifth highest cause of cancer death, according to CRUK.
      The disease affects a large gland that is part of the digestive system – the pancreas is located behind the stomach and under the liver.
      It has two main functions: dripping digestive enzymes into the gut to help break down food, and releasing the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.
      Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant – cancerous – cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.
      Five signs of the disease that could be mistaken for another condition, or niggle, include persistent stomach ache, backache, indigestion, unexplained weight loss and bowel habit changes.
      Other symptoms that might be more obvious include jaundice, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
      Patients may also suffer the symptoms of diabetes because pancreatic disease stops the production of insulin
      The causes of the disease are not exactly known but there are several risk factors that can make someone more likely to get the disease. More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Van Gaal reveals he has been living with catheters and urine bags for 3 years in emotional cancer update

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL has revealed he has been living with catheters and urine bags for the past three years he has suffered with cancer.The former Manchester United boss offered an update on his condition, saying he is able to cope in his battle with prostate cancer.Louis van Gaal offered an update on his conditionVan Gaal even managed the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup while suffering with the disease.He believes that actually helped him in his fight, as it gave him a goal to work towards.The Dutchman offered an update on his condition, telling AS: “I have been living with the disease for just over three years, with radiation, hormone injections, operations, catheters and urine bags. “It’s unbelievable, but I can handle it. I have managed it, and I have been able to do it even working during the last World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I even think that during the World Cup I managed it even better, because I had a goal. And with the cancer process it happens just like with the process of being a coach, you look for a goal. “For me it was positive to deal with both things.”Van Gaal, 72, also said he is used to death after his father passed away while he was just a child.But he reacted to the bad news with a positive mindset, which he believes has helped him.Most read in FootballVan Gaal added: “I come from a family in which we are nine brothers. I am the smallest. My father died when I was 11 years old. He died at 53.”My first wife died when she was 39. And all my brothers died too soon. I’m used to death. That’s why I know that death is a part of life, and you can deal with it.BBC VS ITV: Who wins in battle of Euro 2024 teams”When I first heard I had cancer I said, ‘Okay, it’s not good news, but I better try to do something about it.’ Each human can react in a different way. That’s why I say: ‘Be yourself’. More

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      Footballer, 15, to have leg amputated after knee ‘twinge’ turned out to be cancer as Man Utd star Mainoo sends message

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      A TEENAGE goalkeeper’s football dreams were shattered after a twinge in his knee turned out to be bone cancer – leaving him needing an amputation.Two years ago, Manchester United fan Jake Last was playing for Burnley’s Under-14s and earned the nickname ‘The Cat’ for his agility.Teenage goalkeeper Jake Last is having his leg amputatedWhat he thought was a twinge in the knee turned out to be cancerNow the 15-year-old is preparing to have his right leg amputated next month after the cancer progressed despite bouts of chemotherapy and surgery.Jake, from Chadderton, Greater Manchester, is already dreaming of one day playing for a top amputee team – and maybe even England.His father, John, 54, said: “I don’t think you will ever get Jake to not be involved in football. “He is an amazing lad. He has been unbelievable. It is strange to say, but he lives as if he has never had the disease. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The treatment (chemotherapy) has been brutal. But he knows it is having an effect on the cancer and helping get rid of it.”Jake’s grit has impressed both footballing halves of Manchester.Kobbie Mainoo – the United star who shone in the weekend’s FA Cup final, has sent him a video message.In the clip, Kobbie said: “Hi Jake, it’s Kobbie. I’m sorry to hear everything you are going through. Most read in Football”Stay strong and I hope everything goes well with the surgery.”A City-supporting friend of the family donated a framed, signed shirt worn by Ederson, which was auctioned off to raise hundreds of pounds to help Jake’s family through tough times.Man Utd fans gush ‘just a top guy’ as they spot Kobbie Mainoo’s dressing room gesture to Amad DialloJohn said: “Both United and Blues friends of the family have been wonderful in the support they have given to us.”The proud dad recalled how a twinge in Jake’s knee was the start of what has been a long arduous road.John said: “He was playing for Burnley U-14s and had suffered an ankle injury and was on crutches for six weeks.”We thought the pain in his knee was just because he had been on crutches so long.”But Jake eventually ended up in hospital for an X-ray. Damaged tendons were suspected – but further tests in March 2022 revealed the shattering truth that it was actually osteosarcoma.He then had 16 weeks of chemotherapy at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and underwent surgery in Birmingham to replace his knee, tibia and femur with titanium implants.Jake required a further 14 weeks of chemotherapy back in Manchester to ‘mop up’ the remaining cancerous cells. He rang the bell in Ward 86 in May of last year, as there was no sign of the cancer, and has since had gruelling sessions of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to enable him to walk again.But an MRI scan in October of last year, to check on his progress, found that the cancer had returned in his hip.Hopefully one day Jake can get in the England amputee team set-upJake Last’s dad JohnJohn said: “We were devastated as we really thought he had beat this horrible disease. “So he started a different type of chemotherapy in February of this year, of which there are six sessions, he has one more to go which is from June 4 to June 9.”He had an MRI scan after the second lot of chemotherapy and it was found that the chemotherapy was attacking the tumour and breaking it down. “It also showed that there was a small cancerous tumour in his lung and a suspected tumour in his spine but the tumour in his lung had not grown since his first scan so that is good news.”After his most recent scan, the radiologist had confirmed that the issue in Jake’s back is now not cancerous. He will have a final scan next month before surgery.John said: “Jake has decided he will be more able bodied if they remove his right leg at the hip. The higher we go the less chance there is of the cancer returning.”He had already said to the doctors after being diagnosed, ‘Why don’t you just take my leg off?’ “But they rightly said they had to try and save his limb. Now it has come back in his hip he struggles to walk without his crutches.”FAMILY HEARTACHE Astonishingly, before the cancer was discovered in his hip Jake had started football training again with grassroots side Droylsden Youth Centre. Ahead of joining Burnley, the youngster had played for Chadderton Park, Moston Tigers, and Avro.John said: “He was invited to watch the England amputee team play in Partington which was brilliant. “Around here there are only Manchester City and Everton that have amputee teams. He can hopefully go training with one of them and one day get in the England set-up.”Chelsea Ashworth, who has set up a GoFundMe page to support Jake’s family, said: “Jake is an absolutely incredible inspiration and has endured so much over the last few years and still has a long road to recovery.”Jake is the second child of John and his wife, Tracy. John added: “In 2007 we had a daughter, Olivia, who died shortly after her birth. “Jake was born in 2008 and I guess the loss of Olivia was why he was born so soon after. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He still talks of his sister – and I am sure if she was here she would be saying, ‘I’m right behind you.'”Manchester United’s FA Cup hero Kobbie Mainoo sent a message of supportCredit: PAThe cancer returned in his hip prompting the life-changing decisionThe youngster was on the books of Burnley’s academyJake’s older sister died shortly after birth More

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      Sven-Goran Eriksson makes triumphant return to ex-club Lazio amid cancer battle

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      EX-FOOTIE manager Sven-Goran Eriksson makes a triumphant return to former club Lazio — under the eye of their eagle mascot.The Swede, 76, who left Italy to become the England boss in 2001, has terminal cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson made a triumphant return to former club Lazio — under the eye of their eagle mascotCredit: RexThe ex-manager is touring his former clubs following a cancer announcement in JanuaryCredit: RexHe was cheered by fans at the Rome club, where he won the title, and said: “It’s the memory of a lifetime.”Last month Sven was close to tears as he was honoured by IFK Goteborg on his return to the club he once managed.The 76-year-old was continuing his football tour after revealing the heartbreaking news of his terminal pancreatic cancer in January.Eriksson returned to Sweden to visit Goteborg, the club which he managed to Uefa Cup glory back in 1982.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe retired tactician was given a heroes welcome at the Gamla Ullevi stadium over 40 years after he helped etch the club’s name in European history.Eriksson, who won the trophy with players who still had jobs alongside their footballing duties, was paraded out on to the pitch before the club’s 1-1 draw with Norrkoping on Saturday.The crowd burst into a chorus of chanting towards their former manager when he was brought out on the turf before a touching tifo of a young Eriksson was displayed in one of the stands.A banner was also erected that read: “We don’t know when it will end, but we know when it began” while flags were waved in Eriksson’s direction.Most read in FootballThe former England manager looked close to tears as he soaked in the love that was show for him by the club he managed from 1979 to 1982.Eriksson also visited former side Benfica earlier this year, who he took charge of immediately after winning the Uefa Cup with Goteborg.England legends send heartbreaking messages to Sven Goran Eriksson as former Three Lions boss battles terminal cancerWhile he was also given the opportunity to make his dream of managing Liverpool come true when he took charge of a Reds legends team for their charity match at Anfield in March. More

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      Paul Holmes dead aged 56: Tributes pour in for former Premier League star after passing away

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      FORMER Everton star Paul Holmes has died at the age of 56.The right-back passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer and leaves behind his wife Kate.Paul Holmes has passed awayCredit: RexHe spent three years at EvertonCredit: AlamyHe left the Toffees for West Brom in 1996Credit: AlamyHolmes joined the Toffees in 1993 from Birmingham City and played 28 times for the club.His best moment at Everton came as he helped the team to a 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Liverpool in September 1993.That day Everton came out on top thanks to goals from Mark Ward and Tony Cottee.His final game for the club came against Feyenoord in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in October 1995, which they drew 0-0.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe left Goodison Park in 1996 as he moved to West Brom.He stayed with the Baggies until 1999 and joined Torquay United, where he would finally retire in 2003.Tributes have poured in for the former footballer on social media.One fan posted: “RIP Paul. Deepest sympathy to your family and friends.”Most read in FootballA second wrote: “Very sad news, RIP Paul.”A third commented: “Very sad to hear this news. Paul was a fine player.”MOTD commentator shares ‘scariest position in football’ as he takes fans inside Premier League stadiumA fourth said: “Terrible news RIP Paul.”Another added: “Awful news, thoughts go out to his family.”Former Everton team-mate Ian Snodin has also paid tribute to Holmes.He said: “I knew Paul was unwell, but I am deeply shocked by his passing.”He was a fine player and a lovely guy to share a dressing room with.”He got on well with all the lads and he was unfortunate not to play more games.”The club added in a statement: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the death of our former defender Paul Holmes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Paul was just 56 years of age and passed away after a brave battle with cancer. RIP, Paul.”Holmes had football in his family as his dad, Albert Holmes, was a legend for Chesterfield having played for the club between 1960–1976. More