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20 year old Norwich goalkeeper diagnosed with cancer

20 year old Norwich City goalkeeper Dan Barden has been diagnosed with cancer, with many messages of support sent to him via social media.

The 20-year-old was spending the season on loan with Scottish Premiership side Livingston and is considered a promising talent.

But he is now set for an unspecified period away from football as he receives treatment.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Norwich City can confirm that goalkeeper Dan Barden has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

After the initial diagnosis, Barden has since undergone follow up tests and will continue with a closely monitored treatment programme over the coming period.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Scottish Premiership side Livingston, but will now spend a period of time away from the game.

Barden said: “It has been a very difficult and challenging period, but the support of my family, friends and colleagues has helped get me through the last few weeks.

“I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital. The speed at which everything has moved has been crazy, but everyone has been absolutely brilliant with me. Both Daniel Farke and the Livingston manager, David Martindale, have also been very supportive.

“The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we’ve caught it early and the prognosis and next steps have all been positive.

“I’m optimistic and have a positive mindset. I’m confident that I’ll be able to beat it and that I’ll be back out there doing what I love soon.

“I’d like to thank everyone around me for their support. I know that the coming period will be challenging and would ask for privacy for me and my family at this stage. Where possible, I’ll do what I can to update on my progress.

“Thank you once again for the support. See everyone soon.”

The Premier League club’s sporting director Stuart Webber said: “Everyone at Norwich City wishes Dan a speedy recovery. Our love and thoughts are with him and his family as he starts this latest challenge in his life.

“Dan is part of our family and we look out for our own. He knows we are with him every step of the way.

“The care and attention Dan has had so far has been top class. We thank everyone who has looked out for him and we are grateful for Livingston for acting on Dan’s symptoms and alerting us.

“We can’t wait to welcome Dan back to Carrow Road and the Lotus Training Centre.”

Twitter users reacted with the 20 year old Norwich goalkeeper diagnosed with cancer…

@deancourtgirl1: Best wishes to Dan for his treatment and recovery. The football community has rallied around our club this week to wish David Brooks well and I’m sure they will again to support Dan. The football family are all with you and are right behind you. ❤️

@amimont2: All the best Dan, we’re all with you.

@TomDyerUCF: Sending much love to you Dan and your family. You are young, fit and strong. Crush the cancer and inspire others to do the same. I totally believe in you, as do many others I know!

@ValTolhurst: Ah no, this is terrible news. Get better soon, Dan, we’re all behind you!

@dianencfcfan: Your ncfc family is with you every step of the way Dan, stay strong

@goatedlerma: Ah man this is so sad 😔 wishing Dan the best from all at AFC Bournemouth

@IpswichCulture: All the best in your recovery Dan, you’ve got this ❤️

@JackToulson12: Very sad news. Hopefully he recovers quickly and is back out there ASAP. Wishing a speedy recovery

@madamecronch: Gosh! This was a shock to read this morning! Such a wonderful talent struck down by this horrible disease! Sending lots of positive thoughts and wishing you all the best in your treatment! You’ve got this Dan! 💪🏻 💛 OTBC! 💚

@_NCFCJames: Praying for you Dan 🙏🏼💛💚

It comes just days after AFC Bournemouth paid tribute to David Brooks in their easy victory at the weekend.

They made a very moving public show of support for absent colleague and teammate, who has been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Cherries hit two brilliantly executed first-half goals thanks to Jamal Lowe and Jordan Zemura.

Lowe’s muted celebrations revolved around finding the nearby club photographer given the job of stashing away Brooks’ No 7 shirt.

The Bournemouth players then gathered around Lowe to send a message to Brooks via social media, prompting Bristol City supporters to rise from their seats in applause.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by AFC Bournemouth (@officialafcb)

Middlesbrough’s Sol Bamba sent a poignant message of best wishes for David Brooks after the Bournemouth midfielder revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Hodgkin lymphoma is the same form of cancer that Bamba successfully fought earlier this year and upon the news breaking, the Boro defender with keen to send his regards to Brooks.

Taking to Twitter and quote tweeting Brooks’ statement, Bamba responded saying: “You got this champ.” His classy message was followed by a heart emoji and a praying hands emoji – perfectly reflecting the support of the whole football community following Bournemouth’s statement.

In the club statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Brooks was quoted as saying: “This is a very difficult message for me to write. I have been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week.

“Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible.

“I’d like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period.

“I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness.

“I’d also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all their support and assistance this past week.

“Although I appreciate that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming months and I will share updates on my progress when I am able to do so.

“In the meantime, thank you to everyone for their messages of support – it means so much and will continue to do so in the months ahead.

“I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon.”

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