Former Rochdale player Joe Thompson reveals devastating news that he has cancer for the third time

Former Rochdale AFC midfielder Joe Thompson has vowed to fight cancer once again after announcing that he has been diagnosed with the devastating disease for a third time.

Hugely popular Joe was first diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s in November 2013, but after treatment was given the all clear in June 2014.

The 35-year-old was then forced to stop playing football in March 2017, having again been diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma.

His treatment included a course of chemotherapy and stem cell replacement in Manchester. He announced that he was "cancer free" again in June 2017.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester this morning (12 April) about his latest diagnosis, Joe said bravely: "It's far from ideal, and it's come back aggressive as well, so it's Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma.

"I suppose the only positive is that it is the same cancer as what I had previously, but the issue for me this time is that it's gone onto my lungs.

"So breathing obviously becomes a problem, going to sleep can be difficult and sometimes talking can be quite hard.

"You've only got a certain amount of time on this earth, and I always think you want to make the biggest impact on as many lives as possible.

"That's where I'm at, and I've got to lead from the front."

In a post on social media platform, Joe said: "It's true I have cancer for the third time. "But we’ve walked through darkness as a family before and we will do it again!"

He asked followers to contribute to a new GoFundMe page if they are able. He said: "Anything received is with a heart full of gratitude."

In a post on his GoFundMe page, Joe added: "Now, the cancer has returned with a vengeance, spreading to my lungs.

"In the face of adversity, I've been collaborating with oncologists and scientists, self-funding research to uncover the root cause of my recurring illness."

A former pupil at St Vincent’s Primary School in Norden and St Cuthbert’s High School, Joe spent six years at Rochdale in the first team before moving to Tranmere Rovers in 2012.

After he announced that he had defeated cancer for the second time in June 2017, Joe made an emotional return to play for Rochdale in their FA Cup replay against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in February 2018, realising a dream of playing at the national stadium.

 

 

He also scored the goal that meant Dale survived relegation from League One on the final day of the 2017/18 season, before eventually announcing his retirement from football on 5 February 2019.

In October 2018, Joe released his heart-wrenching autobiography, ‘Darkness and Light: My Story’.
 

Read more: Joe Thompson book signingPublished: 18 October 2018

The link to Joe's GoFundMe page is www.gofundme.com/f/Team-Thompson-against-cancer-again

His family aim to raise £250,000 to cover the costs of his ongoing treatment, and to pioneer a groundbreaking test that could prevent the recurrence of not only Joe's cancer, but potentially save countless lives in the future.

Almost £40,000 has been raised already.