Andy Goram's bravery praised by Scots cancer patients after Rangers legend told of terminal diagnosis

Medics and patients have praised Andy Goram’s bravery in speaking about his cancer and said it could help save lives.

Former Rangers and Scotland goalie Andy has been telling the Record about his battle with oesophageal cancer and how he has refused chemotherapy, giving him about six months to live.

Oesophageal cancer patients Linda Moffat, 56, and Paul Sinclair, 55, were among many who said his decision to talk about the condition could help make people aware of the symptoms and save lives.

Linda, of Auchterarder, Perthshire, said: “What he has done will help people a lot. Any awareness helps. It was absolutely heartbreaking reading his story.”

Showjumper Linda Moffat says Andy Goram's story is "heartbreaking" (Sinclair Photography)

Linda, who was a showjumper before her diagnosis, said that while oesophageal cancer is linked to lifestyle, in many cases it can be unrelated so all people should be aware of the symptoms.

Paul, of Kirkcaldy, said: “The important thing is that it has come to the forefront through someone like Andy Goram having this disease and speaking about it.”

Paul Sinclair says Andy Goram's story has resonated with him (supplied)

Paul was working out in the gym and doing novice strongman events before his diagnosis.

He said: “I felt like there was wind at the bottom of my rib cage. I had no pain, just an annoying niggle in my chest.

“My symptoms seemed trivial but because of the training I do I tend to be aware of my body. I realised something wasn’t quite right and went to the doctor.”

Paul said his doctor referred him for an endoscopy which resulted in a tumour being found.

Caroline Geraghty of Cancer Research UK (supplied)

After an operation and sessions of chemo before and after surgery, Paul is back in the gym and looking to the future.

But he warned: “This is not something which just appears one day, it sneaks up on you but the quicker you catch it the better.”

Caroline Geraghty, a nurse at Cancer Research UK, said: “My heart goes out to Andy and his family. He is being really brave talking about it.

“We want people to understand if something is wrong and doesn’t resolve itself you need to go and see a GP.”

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