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      Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.. but nothing is more important than life itself

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      “SOME people believe football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much more important than that.”Those words from the great Bill Shankly have resonated over the years but without wishing to dilute his remarkable legacy, our own health and happiness does mean everything.Dortmund’s ex-West Ham ace Sebastien Haller announced he is cancer freeCredit: GettyWales star David Brooks is back to near his best after Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettyIt is, in truth, more important.Former West Ham star Sebastien Haller has just announced he is free from cancer after a long battle and, hopefully, he can continue to excel at the highest level for Borussia Dortmund and Ivory Coast.Just last month, 29-year-old  Haller scored the winner as his country beat Nigeria 2-1 in the  Africa Cup of Nations final.His illness just shows this can happen to kings, princesses, paupers as well as players.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLIn the last few weeks, our own King and the Princess of Wales have bravely announced they are fighting cancer.Both can be assured the nation is backing them in their battle.They have shown class and composure in dealing with  the worst life  can throw at them and they are not alone. As well as Haller,  Bournemouth and Wales winger David Brooks is proof of what can be done.Now on loan at Southampton, the 26-year-old star has been cancer-free for nearly two years.Most read in FootballBrooks admitted football paled into insignificance when he fought back from stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.When he made his first-team comeback for the Cherries he was cheered to the rafters by both sets of supporters at Aston Villa.Sebastian Haller breaks down and fights back tears as he opens up on battle with testicular tumour at award ceremony Like Haller, Brooks is bouncing back and came on as a second-half sub this week as the Welsh went within a whisker of qualifying for this   summer’s Euros.Proving that cancer can strike  anyone, it even afflicted one of the modern-day greats, Arjen Robben.The flying Dutchman won accolades galore in the game but for the first time in his life football came second when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, having found a lump.That was 20 years ago.Mercifully, Robben, now 40, survived and went on to enjoy a stellar career at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning the league in all  three countries.At the time of his diagnosis, Robben said: “Football is no longer important.“The most important thing is to be healthy and for your family to  be healthy.”And so say all of us. In the women’s game, former Arsenal star Jen Beattie, 32, overcame breast cancer to enjoy a glittering career, while New Zealand’s 30-year-old Rebekah Stott successfully battled stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma.But perhaps the most eye-catching has been Colombia’s 19-year-old  sensation Linda Caicedo, who lit up last summer’s World Cup just four years after overcoming ovarian cancer.Arjen Robben is another leading name to recover from cancerRebekah Stott successfully fought stage 3 Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettySadly, for every happy ending there is a tragic one and the cruel, early death of West Ham’s own Dylan Tombides is one of the saddest times I will ever experience at the club.Dylan fought to the very end but at the age of just 20, testicular cancer took his life.West Ham have only ever retired two shirts — and Dylan’s is one of them. The No 38 will never be worn.It is a fitting tribute to a wonderful young man, who died almost exactly ten years ago.The other shirt, of course, is No 6 and belongs to the great Bobby Moore.Testicular cancer first struck him two years before he led England to World Cup glory in 1966.Bobby heroically overcame that illness but cancer returned and, in 1993 and aged  just 51, we lost our national treasure.Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut more important than life itself? I don’t think so.As they say, health isn’t everything but without health, everything is nothing. More

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      Larry Lloyd death updates — Nottingham Forest lead tributes as former England icon dies aged 75

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      FORMER Nottingham Forest and England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.The football icon spent five years at Liverpool before joining Forest and winning back-to-back European Cups.Paying tribute to the beloved defender, the Premier League side wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.”Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.”We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.”Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Fans pay tribute to Larry the ‘Big Man’
      Plenty of fans also rushed to pay tribute to four-cap former England international Lloyd.
      One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything you did for this club.”
      While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
      Copy linkCopiedWhat did Larry do after he retired from football?
      After hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio, before spending many years in Spain and working as a pub landlord.
      Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s club and country caps
      Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
      Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
      Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
      Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
      Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
      England – Four caps
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s early career
      Lloyd began his career with hometown team Bristol Rovers, playing 43 times before signing for Liverpool in 1969.
      He played 214 times for the Reds over five years, winning the First Division and the Uefa Cup.
      Two years at Coventry followed, before he joined Clough’s revolution at Forest.
      Having been recommended by Cloughie’s former No2 Peter Taylor, Lloyd arrived at The City ground in a £60,000 deal.
      Copy linkCopiedTributes flood in for Larry
      Tributes have flooded in following the tragic news.
      One person wrote on X: “Sad to hear Larry Lloyd has died. He made around 50 appearances for the Sky Blues in the mid 70s, after moving from Liverpool.”
      A second added: “From turning out in the Bristol Downs League for Henbury Old Boys, to reaching the pinnacle of club football with Nottingham Forest, West Country boy Larry Lloyd’s story is stuff of fairytale #RIPLarry.”
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s life after football
      After hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio.
      He went on to become a pub landlord in Spain.
      Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.
      Copy linkCopiedLarry’s career in pictures
      Larry Lloyd made history winning back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.
      He also starred for Liverpool and England during his career.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: GETTY
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedEngland pays tribute
      The official England national team X page has paid tribute to Larry Lloyd.
      Taking to social media, the team wrote: “We are saddened to hear that Larry Lloyd, who won four caps for the #ThreeLions between 1971 and 1980, has passed away aged 75.
      “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

      Copy linkCopiedInside Lloyd’s legendary stint at Nottingham Forest
      Larry Lloyd joined a Nottingham Forest side languishing in the second tier of England football.
      Within three years, however, he was one of the “Miracle Men” who won the European Cup against Malmo in Munich.
      Alongside Kenny Burns and England icon Peter Shilton, Lloyd forged an almost impassable defence.
      Lloyd also starred alongside the likes of John McGovern, Viv Anderson, John Robertson Tony Woodcock in the final.
      Copy linkCopiedMore tributes flood in
      Fans have continued to flood social media with tributes to Nottingham Forest and England legend Larry Lloyd.
      One said: “Thanks for the memories Larry.”
      And another added: “Gutted. Massive part of the change from second-tier also-rans to champions of Europe. RIP Larry.”

      Copy linkCopiedLarry Lloyd’s career in numbers

      Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
      Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
      Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
      Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
      Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
      England – Four caps

      Honours: 

      Liverpool – First Division 1973, Uefa Cup – 1973
      Nottingham Forest – European Cup 1979, 1980. League Cup – 1978, 1979, Super Cup – 1979

      Copy linkCopiedHeartbroken fans share tributes
      Fans have flooded social media with tributes to Larry Lloyd.
      One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything u did for this club.”
      While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest pays tribute
      In a statement, Nottingham Forest wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.
      “Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.
      “We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.
      “Rest in peace, Larry.”
      Credit: REX
      Copy linkCopiedFormer England star dies aged 75
      Former England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.
      The defender starred for Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, winning back-to-back European cups during his career.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Top footballer aged just 24 dies from heart failure after collapsing in training as club pays heartfelt tribute

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      COLOMBIAN footballer Guillermo Beltran has tragically died aged 24 after collapsing in training.The Real Santa Cruz striker complained of dizziness and nausea before falling to the floor on Friday.Real Santa Cruz star Guillermo Beltran has tragically died aged 24Credit: REAL SANTA CRUZReal Santa Cruz paid tribute to their late player with a heartfelt Instagram videoCredit: Instagram / @club_realsantacruz INSTAGAM@CLUB_REALSANTACRUZClub staff desperately tried to resuscitate the forward and promptly called an ambulance after their efforts to rouse him failed. But he tragically passed away as he was being transported to the hospital.Bolivian side Real Santa Cruz announced his passing in a statement on their social media pages.It read: “Today, at 7:30 p.m., we say goodbye to our beloved player, Guillermo Denis Beltran, at the Real Santa Cruz Club headquarters.”We extend a cordial invitation to all realistic fans to join us for our final goodbye and say goodbye to our player, who left an indelible mark on our hearts and on the history of our club.”We thank you in advance for your presence and expressions of affection at this difficult time for all of us.”In another statement, the club said of Beltran: “He was much more than a talented player: he was a friend. “A teammate and an inspiration to many. Most read in FootballReal Santa Cruz confirmed Beltran’s passing in a heartfelt statementCredit: REAL SANTA CRUZ”His passion for the game and his tireless spirit will continue to be remembered and valued forever.”Real Santa Cruz director Adolfo Soria Galvarro said of the tragedy: “He was training as usual and then he collapsed.Former Turkish footballer Ersen Martin has tragically passed away aged 44″They tried to resuscitate him but he died as he was being moved to a clinic.”Real Santa Cruz posted a touching video tribute to their late player on social media, with the accompanying caption reading: “Fly high, dear friend.”Scores of fans commented, with one saying: “How sad, may the Lord give strength to his family.”Another said: “Fly high.”And another said: “Lots of strength for your family and friends, it’s a shame.”One remarked: “God give you eternal light.”Another chimed in: “What a great talent that left us, God, I have you in his glory, champion.”Bolivian Football Federation president Fernando Costa also paid tribute to the late Beltran and has vowed to launch a full investigation into his passing.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Bolivian national team paid their respects to Beltran on Friday night with a minute’s silence before their FIFA Series match with Algeria.Beltran – who joined Real Santa Cruz last year from Paraguayan side Rubio Nu – began his career with Atletico Nacional.Bolivia and Algeria paid tribute to the late Beltran with a minute’s silence before their matchCredit: GETTY More

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      Ersen Martin dead at 44: Former striker passes away two years after being left ‘fighting for life’ as Turkey pay tribute

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      FORMER Turkish international Ersen Martin has tragically passed away at the age of 44.The ex-striker, who came through at Nuremberg before he went on to play for Besiktas and Trabzonspor, retired from football in 2013.Ersen Martin has tragically passed away at the age of 44Credit: ReutersMartin, right, played three times for the Turkey national teamCredit: AlamyHe hung up his boots with three caps for his country – which came between 2004 and 2006.He is understood to have suffered a ruptured aorta in 2022 which saw him hospitalised.Now, after receiving lengthy treatment, he has sadly died.His ex-club Trabzonspor paid tribute to their former player, saying: “We have learned with deep sadness the news that our former football player Ersen Martin has passed away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”May God have mercy on Ersen Martin who lost his life; We offer our condolences to his family, loved ones and community.”And Besiktas said: “We have learned with deep sadness that our former football player Ersen Martin has passed away.”May God have mercy on Ersen Martin, we offer our condolences to his family, relatives and the Turkish sports community.”Reports from Turkey claim he was intubated in hospital on March 10, before he passed away in the facility.Most read in FootballFanatik claimed the huge costs at the Istanbul Siyami Ersek Heart Hospital led to Martin’s family reaching out for financial support prior to his death.Last year, an anonymous friend said: “We support as much as we can, but only up to a certain point… We expect at least his former clubs to lend a helping hand.”Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiMartin also had a friendship with Galatasaray’s current head coach Okan Buruk.The pair had chatted and spent time together at games following Martin’s aortic rupture in 2022.And Galatasaray paid tribute to the player following his death, despite him never having played for the club.They wrote: “We have learned with deep sadness the news of the death of former national football player Ersen Martin.”May God have mercy on Ersen Martin, and we offer our condolences to his grieving family, loved ones and the Turkish football community.”Turkey’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Askin Bak, was another to leave a kind message.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I learned with great sadness the death of Ersen Martin, the popular name of our country’s football and who also played for our national team.”Martin finished his club career having played for 13 clubs, scoring 101 goals and providing 28 assists in 375 games.Martin had been admitted to hospital earlier this monthCredit: Alamy More

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      Joana Neves dead at 37: Paralympic swimmer dies after cardiac arrest as tributes paid for ‘great, charismatic athlete’

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      A SWIMMER who won five medals in three Paralympics has died aged just 37.Brazilian Joana Neves went into cardiac arrest in the early hours of yesterday morning after being admitted to hospital on Sunday night feeling unwell.Swimmer Joana Neves, far right in green, has died aged just 37Credit: GettyNeves won five medals in three ParalympicsCredit: GettyHere she is at the 2022 World Para Swimming ChampionshipsCredit: GettyShe had travelled to the city of Sao Paulo for tests after suffering fits.Joana, known affectionately as Peixinha which means Little Fish in English or Joaninha, was born with bone growth disorder achondroplasia that results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.During her glittering career she won a total of 15 medals in world paralympic swimming championships between 2013 and 2022 after taking up swimming on medical advice as a 10-year-old and starting to compete three years later.She also took part in three Paralympics, winning two silver and three bronze medals at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.READ MORE IN sport Mizael Conrado, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, said in a tribute to the athlete, who hailed from the city of Natal in the north-east state of Rio Grande do Norte: “We are devastated at the departure of Joana Neves, our Joaninha.“So much charisma out of the pool, so much determination when she entered the water to represent our country, Rio Grande do Norte, her friends and her family.“How many people were proud of Joaninha’s achievements and how many joys she gave us. She was a great athlete.”Her club Sadef RN said in a statement yesterday confirming her death: “Parathlete swimmer Joana Neves died this morning in Sao Paulo.Most read in Athletics”She was in the city undergoing tests to seek a diagnosis of seizures she had recently suffered.“On Sunday night, after feeling unwell at the Paralympic Training Centre she was taken to hospital but was unable to resist after going into cardiac arrest.”We struck gold with a stay at the site of London’s 2012 OlympicsA club spokesman added: “At the last World Cup in 2022, she won four medals and broke two records. “During her career she had 15 podium finishes at World Cups between 2013 and 2022.“In 2020, she was voted Brazil’s best Paralympic swimmer in the best swimming trophy. She won five medals at the Paralympic Games.”One well-wisher added by way of a personal tribute on social media: “What a very sad day. My sincere condolences to the whole family.“A huge loss for our sport. She leaves an incredible legacy and most of all she leaves her joy in our memories.” More

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      Football tragedy as centre-back Youssouf Keira is found dead at home just hours after playing in top-flight clash

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      FOOTBALLER Youssouf Keira has been found dead at home – just hours after taking part in a top-flight fixture.The centre-back played for Guinean Ligue 1 club ASM Sangaredi.Youssouf Kiera has tragically been found deadCredit: fgfofficielIt has been reported he suffered a heart attackRising star Keira had helped the Conakry side stay unbeaten all season – and boast an undefeated league run lasting almost a YEAR.But Sangaredi fell to a 3-2 loss against Milo FC on Saturday at their home Petit Sory stadium.Tragically Keira was found unresponsive at his home in the early hours of Sunday morning.Local media reported the towering defender had suffered a heart attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Guinean FA announced: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of the ASM Sangaredi player Youssouf Keira.”It took place this Sunday, March 17 2024.”We offer our sincerest condolences to his grieving family, the club’s board and players, and the entire football family.”May his soul rest in peace.”Most read in FootballKeira joined Sangaredi in August 2022 from their league rivals Academie Soar.Sangaredi are fourth in their West African country’s 14-team top league.They sit five points behind leaders and reigning champions Hafia. More

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      Who was Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon and what was his cause of death?

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      HBO is set to premiere its latest documentary entitled The Lionheart on 12 March 2024.Here, we take a closer look at the main subject of the program, professional racer Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon.IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon wins his second Indianapolis 500 on 30 May 2011Credit: AP Photo/Michael Conroy, FileWho was Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon?Daniel Clive Wheldon was born in Buckinghamshire, England on 22 June 1978.He began go-kart racing at age four, but joined competitive racing when he was eight.After finding success early in the United Kingdom, he flew to the United States to further his racing career in 1999.There, he won the US F2000 and was named Rookie of the Year. Read more on sportsIn 2002, he began competing in the IndyCar Series with Panther Racing, and by 2005 he conquered the Indianappolis 500.He broke the record for the most victories in one season, with six.The following year, he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, and ended the season in a tie for first place in points with Sam Hornish Jr.Hornish had more wins than Wheldon, and was crowned the 2006 Indy Car Champion.Most read in MotorsportHe raced in the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with Bryan Herta Autosport and finished in first place.What was Dan Wheldon’s cause of death?Dan Wheldon was part of a 15-car wreck in 11th lap of the IndyCar World Championship on 16 October 2011.His car went over another vehicle and hit the catch fence at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.He was brought to the hospital by helicopter, where he was declared dead.CBS reports that Wheldon suffered a “non-survivable injury” and the official cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the head.He was 33.Dan Wheldon is survived by his wife and their two sonsCredit: Nick Laham via Getty ImagesHow can I watch Lionhheart?The Lionheart is a documentary that will follow Dan Wheldon’s sons as they embark on their own professional racing journeys.The program premieres on HBO on 12 March 2024, at 9 p.m.It was will also be available to stream on Max. More

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      Ex-Manchester Utd youth player & footie film star Bobby Power dies after cancer battle as family pay agonising tribute

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      TRIBUTES are pouring in for a Manchester United youth team player who tragically died after a battle with cancer. Bobby Power, who also starred as ‘Gorgeous’ Gordon Burley in the football film There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble, has passed away aged 40. Bobby Power, a former Manchester United youth team player, has died aged 40Credit: MEN MediaThe dad had also appeared in the film There’s Only One Jimmy GrimbleBobby had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancerCredit: MEN MediaThe dad-of-three had played for the Manchester United youth team in the 1990s, and spent years as a personal trainer in the city. He gained a massive online following in the years that followed by sharing his love for fitness and the outdoors. Tributes are now pouring in for Bobby, who tragically died in February. One of his heartbroken daughters, Kaitlyn Eadsforth, said: “He was really outgoing. Literally anywhere he went, he would talk to anyone.Read more on football”He was like a social butterfly, in any room that he went in.”If he wasn’t at the gym he was climbing mountains. He loved helping other people.”That’s what he was all about really – helping people physically and mentally.”The fitness lover had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after feeling unusually tired while he scaled a mountain. Most read in FootballBobby was moved into Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham, where his appearance dramatically changed. His mum Estrella Barry said: “He spent the rest of his life trying to find a cure. He wanted to live for his girls. He did everything he could.”He thought he was going in to get strong so he could get chemotherapy in Liverpool.”But unfortunately that’s the last place he went.”It was at the hospice where Bobby married Jemma Power-Bliss on Valentine’s Day, in front of friends and family.Estrella continued:  “He couldn’t walk or anything. He was like a little skeleton. It was what he wanted, but a few weeks later he died.”He has inspired so many people because he was just such an active person.”Bobby is survived by his daughters Loren, 20, Kaitlyn, 19, and Heidi, 12. A JustGiving page has been started by his pal Leigh Sarsfield, who is running a 100-mile ultramarathon to raise money for the hospice. Two ‘silent’ symptoms of pancreatic cancerBY ISABEL SHAW
      PANCREATIC cancer is often known as a ‘silent killer’ because it’s symptoms are so hard to spot – especially in the early stages.
      However, there are a couple of early signs which people are being urged to look out for.
      Symptoms to look out for are back pain, indigestion, stomach pain and weight loss.
      But researchers have now identified two more, lesser-known symptoms.
      In a study last year, researchers at the University of Oxford found that increased thirst and dark yellow urine can both be caused by pancreatic cancer. 
      Dr Weiqi Liao, a data scientist at the university, said: “When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed earlier, patients have a higher chance of survival.
      “It is possible to diagnose patients when they visit their GP, but both patients and GPs need to be aware of the symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.”
      Pancreatic cancer is the eleventh most common type of cancer in the UK and the sixth highest cause of cancer death.
      The cancer has the lowest survival rate of any common cancer in the UK – with more than half of patients dying within three months of diagnosis.
      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.
      As with all cancers, there are certain things that can increase the risk of developing the disease.
      According to Cancer Research UK, smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco all increase pancreatic cancer risk.
      They found that nearly one in three pancreatic cancers (about 30 per cent) may be linked to smoking.

      Bobby married Jemma Power-Bliss on Valentine’s Day, in front of friends and familyCredit: MEN MediaHis heartbroken mum Estrella said he had been convinced he was going to get betterCredit: MEN Media More