Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

John Hartson's relief at winning cancer battle

Rhiannon Beacham,Press Association
Friday 04 December 2009 11:13 GMT
Comments
The former Celtic star has been battling cancer
The former Celtic star has been battling cancer (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Wales international footballer John Hartson spoke today of his relief at being told cancer has been virtually eradicated from his body.

Hartson said hearing the news that he was winning his battle against the disease was "my brightest day for a long time".

The ex-Arsenal and Celtic striker was diagnosed in July with testicular cancer that had spread to his brain.

He was admitted to hospital in his home city of Swansea, south Wales, where he underwent emergency surgery and it was discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs.

He was released from hospital in August after completing the first phase of his chemotherapy treatment.

Hartson, 34, said today: "We've all been through so much and to get the news from the doctors that the cancer is going from me is fantastic.

"I would like to thank every single person that has taken the time to either write to me, phone me or leave a message online, your ongoing support is helping me through the battle of my life and is keeping Sarah and the kids upbeat in such terrifying circumstances.

"I'm not out of the woods yet, though this is my brightest day for a long time."

Hartson's agent Mark Brodie said: "John still has an arduous journey ahead to complete recovery and requires extensive surgery to remove 'abnormal masses' in his lung and brain over the forthcoming months, but this latest news is a huge boost."

He said well-wishers including cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, had kept him fighting.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in