John Hartson has cancer.

[The Wizard]

Former football star has cancer

FORMER footie star John Hartson has been diagnosed with brain cancer, The Sun can reveal.
John, 34, was given the devastating news after he went into hospital with splitting headaches.

The ex-Wales, Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic striker is believed to be starting chemotherapy today - and has told family and friends he is ready for the biggest fight of his life.

A close friend said last night: "If anyone can beat this, big John can."

John - a pundit on collapsed sports channel Setanta after he quit football last year - went to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, Wales, on Friday.

He had been suffering severe headaches.

John's family remained by his side all weekend while doctors ran a series of tests. Yesterday they told John he was suffering from testicular cancer - and that the disease had spread to his brain.

A pal said: "John had complained of really bad headaches recently.

"It reached the stage where he felt something was seriously wrong.

"It's devastating news for John and his family. His father is at his bedside and worried sick. But the doctors are upbeat about his prospects and chemotherapy will begin right away. John is a big, strong man.

"Throughout his career he was a battler - he'll fight this with everything he's got."

Hope he gets well.

 

[Superphil]

All the best to John, that is a shit diagnosis, check your balls people

 

[pishhead]

hope he gets better.

 

[Uncle Spielberg]

Thats seriously bad news. The prognosis for Brain cancer unfortunately is not good. However Russell Watson still breathes in and out 5 years after his diagnosis and the 2 major operations and near death collpases so who knows. Sadly the chances of him making 40 are probably very low.

 

[itszamora]

As US says that's not good news at all, especially as it's already spread.

 

[captainmorganrum]

Thats seriously bad news. The prognosis for Brain cancer unfortunately is not good. Sadly the chances of him making 40 are probably very low.

Testicles to brain
doctors on Friday / chemo on Monday

He's in a seriously bad way.
Good luck John, you'll need it.
Cancer can f*** right off

 

[xenophon]

Sad news. I never liked him as a player or person, but you wouldn't wish this on anyone.

 

[BRIGHT ON Q]

Very sad,i am shocked to see he is only 34.Hope he gets better.

 

[Collar Feeler]

Poor bugger, spreading to the brain isn't a good sign. The sort of player you loved having in your team but opposition fans hated - Savage, McGleish et al! He scored goals too. Hope he pulls through.

 

[glasfryn]

the dreaded big"C" is not good wherever it is like others not particularly a fan but he is another one that needs to get rid ...........hope you kick it big man

 

[ben andrews' girlfriend]

I'm on a cancer care ward at the moment on placement, and it's proving to me just how awful cancer is. It's not something I'd wish on my worst enemy. Fortunately cancer care is something that is better funded than areas such as dementia / alzheimers for example, and it is an area where treatment and diagnosis is getting better, however the fact that only 50% of cancers are cured leads for a lot more improvement in the services.

Hartson's story is a very sad story, and just goes to show you guys that you need to "cop a feel" regularly for lumps, no matter what your age. The news that it's spread to another point of origin indicates that it's in a very developed stage, but let's hope he can fight it off. It's certainly not going to be an easy journey. He is young, and obviously was recently a very fit man, which does pull things in his favour.

 

[ATFC Seagull]

Horrible news, absolute legend.

[yt]iodsuIr1zDk[/yt]

For those who say they didn't particularly like him - I remember an interview when he was desperately looking for a new club, and said he'd "play for anyone but Cardiff or Rangers"! Whoever you support, thats the kind of passion and loyalty thats missing from football these days - players that really care about and support the teams they've played for.

As someone above posted, hopefully the fact that he has played football until recently works in his favour.

 

[looney]

Cancer is a Curnt! Took a friend and one of my sisters within a year.

Sadly from what it sounds it doesn't look like he'll be making much of an improvement especially if its a virolent variety.

Sad very sad.

 

[natterjack]

Horrible news, absolute legend.

[yt]iodsuIr1zDk[/yt]

For those who say they didn't particularly like him - I remember an interview when he was desperately looking for a new club, and said he'd "play for anyone but Cardiff or Rangers"!

The guy is a Swansea legend He's never played for us ('cause lately he's been about 18stone) but he is a Jack through and through. He does a lot for football in the community and is a really decent bloke - don't believe some of the crap that gets posted about him.

He's in a bad way apparantly, hope he gets through it

 

[El Presidente]

Can't understand why some people loathe him, he made the best of his ability, always gave 100% and is the type of player that fans can relate to, a bit bonkers, but in the right way.

I hope he pulls through.

If you get lumps, swelling or pain in your 'nads FFS get to a doctor quick folks.

 

[pishhead]

Can't understand why some people loathe him, he made the best of his ability, always gave 100% and is the type of player that fans can relate to, a bit bonkers, but in the right way.

I hope he pulls through.

If you get lumps, swelling or pain in your 'nads FFS get to a doctor quick folks.

exactly how I remember his playing style. I saw him in the Camp Nou in the champions league and the Catalans were ridiculing him at the start of the game when he was chasing down the flanks they weren't laughing when he bundled Puyol and Thuram out of the way to bundle the ball into the roof of the net. A true legend with a chequered past who made the best of his ability.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

What an unlucky guy , hope he pulls through. Brings back memories of David "Rocky" Rocastle who passed away in 2001 (non Hodgkins lymphona) aged only 33. I used to work with Rocky's brother in law , Leroy , at the BT call centre in Manchester Street.

 

[elwheelio]

sad news, wish him all the best

 

[BUTTERBALL]

Very very sad news indeed. 38 is no age to get brain cancer. He was a tough player and I hope that he calls upon that strength to get through.

Best of luck Johnny H.

 

[Gav1901]

all the best to harty , good luck to him and hope he gets through it all