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    ‘My dad was the greatest’ – Ex-Man Utd starlet Joe Thompson’s daughter pays heartbreaking tribute after death at 36

    JOE THOMPSON’S daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute after he died at the age of 36.The Bath-born midfielder was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in April last year.Joe Thompson’s daughter Lula has made a touching tribute to her fatherCredit: MUFCThompson tragically passed away last weekCredit: MUFCLula would often go to Thompson’s work with himCredit: MUFCShe said he was the best daddy and husband to his wife, ChantelleCredit: MUFCThompson had hung up his boots in 2019, having come through the academy at Manchester United.The former Rochdale star was found to have stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which had spread to his lungs.He passed away on Thursday after becoming a public speaker following his retirement.His daughter, Lula, 10, has now made a heartbreaking tribute to her father, which the Red Devils shared.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe video showed moments of his footballing career, including scoring a memorable goal for Rochdale that saved them from relegation.Pictures showed Thompson celebrating with Lula after the game.The video continued to display the good charity work that the former footballer did in order to raise money to help battle cancer.She said: “When my dad got cancer for the third time, he didn’t let that stop him from doing good and start fundraising to get treatment that can help lots of other people.Most read in Football”He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say my dad was the greatest man.”The best dad to me and my sister Athena, and the best husband to my mummy Chantelle.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I love you so much dad.”Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later.Rochdale also paid tribute to Thompson as the team wore black armbands during the game against Altrincham.Chantelle’s tributeIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle posted on Instagram…She wrote: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned.“Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day. “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! “He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!” More

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    Former Liverpool star Fernando Morientes, 49, ‘almost died’ from pulmonary embolism that left him in hospital for days

    FORMER Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scare that left him hospitalised for days. The retired forward suffered a pulmonary embolism – a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs.Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scareCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMorientes – now a TV commentator – suffered the frightening ordeal while travelling on a plane. He told Spanish radio station Tiempo de Juego: “I was feeling ill after so many trips. “On one of them, my chest started to hurt, a stabbing pain below my sternum. “I thought it was something stomach-related and didn’t want to go to the hospital. READ MORE IN football “But that night I felt something and immediately went to the doctor. “They started looking at my heart and saw nothing until they found an effusion in the pleura. It was a pulmonary embolism.”Explaining his blood clot, Morientes said: “It’s a clot that formed in my knee due to the excess air on the plane and in the stationary car. “My blood began to thicken in the air and rose to my lung. I spent five days in the hospital, almost dying.”Most read in FootballWhat are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that’s worse when you breathe incoughing up bloodYou may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).Source: The NHSMorientes spent only a season at Liverpool – signing from Real Madrid in 2005 – winning the FA Cup. In Madrid, the striker won two LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies.Morientes joined Valencia after leaving Liverpool and later Marseille for a season before retiring in 2010. But in 2015 Morientes came out of retirement aged 38 to play for DAV Santa Ana – a non-league side.Morientes, now 49, briefly managed third-tier Spanish side Fuenlabrada but was sacked after eight months.The former Spanish international – capped 47 times with 27 goals – now commentates and provides TV punditry. Morientes is now a TV commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Cage-fighting bosses face manslaughter trial after 23-year-old was killed in ‘absurd’ bout worth pennies

    CAGE-FIGHTING bosses are facing a manslaughter trial after organising a UFC-style bout where a 23-year-old fighter died.Prosecutors say that three men “neglected essential safety measures” that could have saved victim Joao Victor Penha, who tragically passed away after he was knocked out in the 2023 bout.A Brazilian amateur boxer died after a brutal punch to the chinCredit: X, formerly known as TwitterJoao Victor Penha, 23, has passed away from the fight that was worth £16 to the winnerCredit: X, formerly known as TwitterThe Brazilian state of Ceara say the trio failed to provide headguards and gumshields and made no pre-fight medical checks.Penha was allegedly put in the ring with a far more powerful and experienced opponent.Last year, before the funeral the victim’s sister Lilia Maria da Penha, told local media: “These fights are an absolute absurdity. “The winner of the fight would get BRL 100 (GBP £16), and the loser would receive BRL 50 (GBP £8). READ MORE IN SPORT“My brother’s life was lost over this amount, unfortunately.”Prosecutor Laua Uchoa said: “Three men will answer for the crime of manslaughter. There was negligence in the organisation of the event.”One of the accused has been named as Marcio Marcelo Santos, who at the time was the Secretary of Sport in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, where the unlicensed fight took place.Prosecutors say he allowed the fight to go ahead despite the lack of basic safety requirements.Most read in BoxingFight organisers Pedro Henrique Rodrigues do Nascimento and Natanael William de Queiroz Sousa, were also charged with manslaughter.Prosecutors say they failed to follow any of the safety advice given by fight regulators “creating a fatal risk for sportsmen.”After Penha was knocked cold by a punch to the chin in the bout and was rushed to a hospital intensive care unit.The following day after the blow, on October 8, he was transferred in critical condition to a hospital in nearby Sobral.The young man was pronounced dead on Tuesday 10 October.A hospital statement read: “After conducting examinations, the patient was declared brain dead, which also led to a cardiac arrest.”A range of reports state that he appeared to be on the front foot for most of the bout, which was filmed by an onlooker and had a boxing referee plus safety mats on the ground.Away from his aspiring boxing ambitions, Joao Victor was employed as an HR manager at a hotel on the coast and lived in Jijoca de Jericoacoara with his family.His sister added: “I don’t even know what to say, especially after the tragedy with my brother.Read More on The Sun“We didn’t want him to participate. We were all very concerned; my mother asked him not to participate, sensing that something more serious could happen.“We talked to him, but he asked for our support, and then we had no choice.” More

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    Tragedy as footballer, 21, dies after horror collision with goalkeeper ruptures artery in his head

    A 21-YEAR-OLD footballer died after a horror collision with a goalkeeper.Helar Gonzales Altamirano was rushed to hospital after being knocked out as he went for a long ball – with his dad pitchside watching the game.Footballer Helar Gonzales Altamirano passed away after a collisionHis brother Eliceo, who was still asking people to pray for Helar on Tuesday on social media, confirmed yesterday he had lost his fight for life.He said his sibling’s death was a result of rupturing an artery in his head in Sunday’s incident.The tragic footballer’s club Real Titan Nc said in a statement: “Rest in peace friend.“We will remember you for your love of football and your family. You leave us with great pain.READ MORE IN football “Great strength to your family at this difficult time. They are not alone because Titan is with them and the football family is with them.”The club published live footage of Helar’s coffin being taken to a funeral parlour in a white hearse ahead of the wake and a video of the goals he had scored this year before his untimely death.The fatal collision occurred in the 70th minute of a Copa Peru match between Helar’s team and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.Footage showed players crowding round him as he was stretchered away unconscious, with a team-mate helping to put him in the ambulance that took him to hospital in the northern Peruvian city of Moyobamba.Most read in FootballA TV commentator said as he was driven away: “We hope he recovers and reacts quickly.”Helar’s dad Jose fought back tears as he told a local TV station: “I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we’re experiencing.“Helar wanted to be a great footballer from a very young age and was always talking about going as far in the sport as he could.“I know his team are going to dedicate all their future achievements to him.“I thought at first when I saw the clash that it was another player and didn’t initially connect that it was Helar.“I wanted to go on to the pitch to be nearer my son when I realised it was him but they wouldn’t let me and I didn’t see him until we got to hospital when he was already critical.”Helar’s funeral will take place on Friday.The Peruvian Football Federation said on X: “We regret the death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano.“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Real Titan Club.” More

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    ‘You guys are my heroes’ – Emotional moment Michail Antonio meets paramedics who saved his life after horror car crash

    WEST HAM star Michail Antonio touchingly sat down with the “hero” paramedics who helped save his life after his terrifying car crash.The 35-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on a stormy December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio met the paramedics that saved his lifeCredit: BBCAntonio sat down with first responders Rob Moon and Dr James MoloneyCredit: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance TeamThe West Ham striker went to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance HQAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.And now the Hammers’ record Premier League goalscorer has personally shown his appreciation to the men who helped him cheat death.Antonio met with the two first responders Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney on the BBC’s Morning Live show.The striker cannot remember the crash so he met with the heroic Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew to “fill in the blanks”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter meeting them in an ambulance hangar, Antonio began: “I want to say thank you because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.”So you guys are basically my heroes.”Antonio’s accident happened during Storm Darragh, which meant the air ambulance helicopter couldn’t take off due to strong winds. Dr Moloney and Moon – who were dispatched to the scene in a rapid response car – said they thought they recognised the Premier League footballer straight away.Most read in FootballAntonio was shocked to learn that the medics found his lifeless body in the back seat after noticing his fractured femur bone.As football fans, the paramedics clocked that they were helping a Premier League striker.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashBut their suspicions were confirmed after spotting a clue – his No 9 ‘Antonio’ shirt in the foot-well. Dr Moloney said: “We treat everyone the same whatever happens. But not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.”To get Antonio talking, the medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.The pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.Michail AntonioBBCThe medics put him on a trolley before boarding him onto the ambulance, and tried to keep him warm.Antonio added: “For me, personally, I could never do your job. “If I go there and see blood or people in trouble, I would just panic or faint. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t be able to do.”The seriousness of it hit home when the forward saw the remains of the car at a scrapyard a few weeks ago.The former Nottingham Forest star explained: “Being involved in a major accident can have life-changing physical and mental effects.”I’ve processed it to a certain degree, but I think the emotions are going to take a long time. Mentally, trauma lasts a long time.”Antonio was shocked to find out that the medics found his body in the back seatCredit: BBCThe West Ham striker signed merch for the crewAntonio said the medics were his heroesHe also revealed that it was harder for his loved ones to see him that way.He said: “My family probably experienced the incident more than I did. “They had to see how I was in the hospital. I don’t remember my face being cut or going down for surgery the next day. “They lived it. They have those memories.”While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is determined to get back on the pitch.He previously told the BBC: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it.”Not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.Dr James MoloneyBBCAntonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.Read More on The SunHe made an emotional return to the London Stadium for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last month.Antonio has also been able to return to light training. More

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    Racing driver Marta Garcia rushed to hospital after horror fireball crash that left her trapped in car inhaling smoke

    RACING driver Marta Garcia is recovering in hospital after a high speed crash left her trapped inside her flaming Porsche.The first F1 Academy champion smashed into a barrier at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Saturday.Marta Garcia was rushed to hospital after her car caught fire during a high-speed crashCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvGarcia’s car burst into flames immediately after the impactCredit: Instagram @motorsporttvHer Porsche 911 bounced back in front of a busy field of carsCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvGarcia posted a picture herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, alongside an update for fans.Credit: Instagram @martagarcialopez19Garcia was in the lead of the GT3 class for Iron Dames when her car was clippedCredit: RexThe incident occurred during Le Mans Cup action at the venue which plays host to Formula One’s Spanish Grand Prix.Garcia was in the lead of the GT3 class for Iron Dames when her Porsche 911 was clipped from behind by the second-placed Elesio Donno in the AF Corse Ferrari.The hit sent Garcia, 24, hurtling into the tyre wall barrier at speed as the wrecked airborne Porsche flew back onto the circuit, with cars surrounding it.The rear of the car then immediately burst into flames after coming to a stop in the middle of the back straight.READ MORE IN F1Several sets of tyres also flew across the track as drivers swerved and dodged the sea of debris.The race was instantly red flagged and Garcia later revealed she was trapped inside her car, before marshals broke the door to get her out.She was able to walk away from the wreckage and was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after inhaling too much smoke.But Garcia has since opened up about her panic while she scrambled to find a way out of the trapped door.Most read in MotorsportThe former Renault F1 junior driver posted a picture herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, alongside an update for fans.The Spaniard wrote: “Hello everyone, yesterday I experienced one of the toughest moments in my career.Garcia later revealed she was trapped inside her car, before marshals broke the door to get her outCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvDrivers swerved and dodged the sea of debris and the burnt out carCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvSky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’”The car caught fire, and although I managed to get out by myself, I inhaled some smoke and felt dizzy afterwards.”I couldn’t open my door because it was stuck from the impact, and I started panicking as more and more smoke was coming into the car.”Until the marshals broke the co-driver’s door and got me out. I’m so thankful to them for reacting so quickly and for the job they did.”Garcia will spend another night in hospital as a precaution.Thankfully, all the scans came back clear, but she feels “shaken”.After a lengthy clean-up, the race resumed with 30 minutes to go.The Le Mans Cup race was won outright by Cedric Oltramare and David Droux for CLX Motorsport in their LMP3 Ligier JS P325.Garcia was the first F1 Academy championCredit: Instagram @martagarcialopez19Garcia was part of Forbes 30 under 30 last yearCredit: instagram @martagarcialopez19 More

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    Ruben Loftus-Cheek rushed to hospital for emergency surgery hours before AC Milan’s huge clash with Napoli

    AC MILAN star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgery.The former England midfielder was expected to start in Milan’s crunch Serie A clash against second-placed Napoli at 7:45pm BST.Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgeryCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this seasonCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek felt severe abdominal pains overnight while at the team hotel in Naples, according to Football Italia.Doctors sent him to the local hospital, where tests confirmed acute appendicitis with the need for emergency surgery.Appendicitis can be potentially fatal if left unchecked, as the appendix can become so inflamed that it bursts.The 29-year-old was slated for a start against his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s side, with midfielder Yunus Musah suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe travelled with the team from the north of Italy to the south before noticing something was wrong.Loftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this season, making only 22 competitive appearances for Milan, in which he provided one assist.In fact, he had only just returned from a muscle injury to face Como in the Serie A on March 15.Before that, the former Chelsea star was out with a groin problem, leaving with only six starts from an available 14 league games this term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Loftus-Cheek was involved in late drama with his former England team-mate Dele Alli upon his return.Alli – who plays for Como under manager Cesc Fabregas – was sent off 10 minutes into his club debut for a late lunge on his fellow countryman.Former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek roasts Micah Richards live on TV with hilarious quip about his haircutThe former Spurs star’s initial yellow was upgraded to a red after VAR sent referee Matteo Marchetti to the monitor.But Loftus-Cheek and Alli found the funny side of it later that evening, with the latter sharing their WhatsApp conversation.Writing at 11pm on Saturday night, Alli wrote: “Picture looks bad, I just tried to clip your heel.”When the ref went to VAR I didn’t even know it was for me 😫😂.”Loftus-Cheek then added: “I stayed down because I was blowing.”The pair were part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 Russia World Cup.Milan have endured a poor campaign in Serie A this season and sit ninth, 14 points behind second-placed Napoli.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey started the season with Paulo Fonseca in charge, but he was replaced by former Porto boss Sergio Conceicao in December.Loftus-Cheek has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 62 appearances since joining from Chelsea for £18.5m in 2023. More

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    Roy Keane’s daughter ‘mourned what life might be’ after being diagnosed with incurable illness but dad ‘lightened mood’

    ROY KEANE’S daughter Caragh revealed she was left in tears after an incurable illness forced her to turn down her dream job.The 29-year-old was diagnosed with lupus in 2021 when she was only 25.Roy Keane’s daughter Caragh revealed her struggle with lupusCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe opened up on how her dad helped her through the darkest timesCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16It came after a prolonged spell of debilitating symptoms including joint pain, alopecia and painful blisters on her face and body.Such was the degree of it that Keane – who had qualified to be a teacher – was left bed-bound by the condition.It meant turning down the chance at her “dream job” at her old school in Manchester.She admitted to the Irish Independent: “I cried on the phone because I had to turn down the job and just had to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m really not very well at the moment.’ “I wanted to be the best teacher I could be.”After undergoing some tests, she was diagnosed with lupus: a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues.Now that she knew what was going on, Caragh could go about addressing it and no longer living in mystery.Keane added: “Being so poorly ended up being a blessing in disguise because I was able to get the diagnosis really quickly.Most read in Football“There was a bit of a mourning period for me, when you start to think about how your life might turn out.“I suppose there was a sense of relief because, with that information, I could start looking into the next steps. Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia “At the age of 25, you’re sat there being told everything and you’re thinking, ‘I’m never going to have a boyfriend. I’ve not had children yet.’ “That was the sort of thing that was going through my head.”Fortunately, she was surrounded by a loving and caring support network.She is one of five kids – alongside sisters Alanna, Shannon and Leah, and brother Aidan – raised by Man Utd and Ireland legend Roy Keane and wife Theresa Doyle.And while the Keane kids were often kept out of the limelight in their formative years, Roy was never shy of giving them his full attention.This proved particularly useful when Caragh was diagnosed with lupus, as she revealed how his sense of humour helped lighten the load.She revealed: “My parents were worried, but they put on a brave face a lot of the time, and they’ve been so supportive. “My dad puts things into perspective and always adds that bit of humour to lighten the mood.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCaragh Keane has parlayed her own healthcare experience into founding her own company – Superkeen Foods.With the brand’s award-winning cereal and products, which are gluten-free, nut-free, milk-free, egg-free, 100% natural and autoimmune protocol-friendly, Caragh hopes to help others with lupus on their healing journeys. More