Bristol Rovers favourite Nick Anderton has revealed he’s entering the final week of chemotherapy in an inspirational message posted on social media detailing aspects of his cancer battle.
Anderton was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - a rare form of bone cancer - last summer after a routine scan on a leg injury discovered a tumour. The popular defender began chemo in December and is now reaching the end of that particular course of treatment.
Due to his illness and subsequent operations which have led to a full knee replacement, Anderton announcement his retirement from football in April. This week also represents the end of his contract at Rovers, with the Gas honouring the final 12 months of his deal.
A fundraiser set up by club staff has since raised more than £48,000 to help the 27-year-old and his young family, while he has remained a presence within the first-team dressing room with his No16 shirt hung up on every matchday and supporters clapping the 16th minute of each game of the 2022/23 season at the Mem.
Anderton has detailed how he’s spent more than 70 nights in hospital undergoing treatment and combating its side effects and will have scans next month to determine whether the chemo has been successful.
“A year ago today I returned for pre-season, what a year it’s been,” Anderton wrote. “Today I returned to the Christie Hospital to start my final week of chemotherapy treatment that is currently scheduled.
“Saturday the 1st of July will hopefully be the day I can leave the hospital… the exact date I had my first scan last year that discovered a bone tumour. This journey has been crazy, to say the least. I’ve had all the side effects you can imagine, sepsis and more, but I’ve learned so much about the human body and mind and how strong and resilient it is.
“To anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer of any form and is facing the battles ahead you can do this and tackle treatment head on and remain optimistic.
“The harsh reality is also that some people don’t get the opportunity for treatment due to their diagnosis. That is something I’ve seen first hand which completely puts life into even more perspective. It’s really tough for parents and families.
“Spending over 70 nights here I’ve met all sorts of different people from different backgrounds with different diagnoses, but everyone is on the same journey and to be able to discuss journeys with patients and their families is amazing. In some way that may be hard to understand.
“My journey is far from over as I’ll be having scans (in) late July to see if the treatment has worked but to complete the initial treatment is a milestone and that is the reality of my life now, and I’m okay with that.
“You’ve got to stay optimistic and hope for the best, take every day as it comes and be happy. Keep fighting.”
You can read more about Nick's diagnosis and donate to his fundraiser HERE
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