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Bristol Rovers players and staff shave their hair off in support of teammate with cancer

Bristol Rovers players and staff shave their hair off in support of teammate Nick Anderton battling with a rare form of bone cancer.

They came together on the 16th of January in support of their promotion hero and so far, over £32,000 has been raised with fans also taking part in shaving their hair off.

Club captain Paul Coutts said: “We’ve always been as one in support of Nick. In the blink of an eye, his world’s been turned upside down and this is another way that we can help raise awareness of his condition and raise valuable funds for him and his young family at the same time.

“Some of us have less hair to lose than others and I’m sure Nick’s looking forward to seeing his mates and the gaffer without any!”

The players will go bald on the 16th – Nick’s shirt number – of this month at a Bristol hairdresser who supports rivals City and not Rovers, further proof that the footballing and city communities are coming together to offer their support.  Rovers – and football – fans are also invited to shave their own head in solidarity. 

You can make a donation HERE – all funds raised will go to Nick and his young family.

Other local clubs have been helping out in recent weeks. Longwell Green owner John Gibbs offered gate receipts from their 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Oldland Abbotonians totalling £700, which will all go to Nick and his young family.

Bristol Rovers invited Gibbs and other club members to the Papa John’s Trophy game with Plymouth as a thank you – and boss Joey Barton was on hand to receive the cheque from John.

Rovers CEO Tom Gorringe said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to John and everyone at Longwell Green as we do everything we can to help Nick. This is a fabulous gesture and we are hugely grateful.”

Meanwhile, a bucket collection was held at Saturday’s game with Accrington Stanley to raise money.

The hosts agreed to Rovers bringing 16 buckets up to the Wham Stadium on Saturday, January 14th for the League One game.  

Nick Anderton tweeted after seeing photos and videos of the squad getting their hair saved off: “The best group of people, what a club! The support we’ve received since the news in July up until now has been incredible. Lost for words Bristol Rovers ⛽️ Thank you ❤️”

Barton has been delighted to see so much money raised for Anderton and his family in their time of need.

“It will keep the wolves from the door and allow him to focus on his recovery,” he said. “He’s got a new baby in the house as well, so it’s the minimum we can do and we’re thankful to everybody who has donated or shared and raised awareness.

“Every pound, every penny will make a difference in terms of helping Nick with his recovery.”

Paul Coutts came up with the idea, and said that the initiative is the least the club can do for their teammate.

“I lived with him last year and he’s an infectious character,” Coutts said. “Everyone wanted to be around him; he brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

“The news came in the summer with his diagnosis after he’d done the first week of pre-season and in his words, he was on fire, and then gets the scan on his knee and the news unfolds. We’re just trying to support him and do anything we can to raise awareness.”

CEO Tom Gorringe added: “It’s been unbelievable. Football is brilliant at times like this when everybody needs to pull together. It’s really touching just to see how everyone has rallied and supported Nick.

“We’ve had support from all across the country. In a difficult time, it’s been a really heart-warming thing to be involved in.”

This is what fans had to say as Bristol Rovers players and staff shave their hair off in support of their player with cancer…

@GDan1883: We’re all here buddy, every single one of us, every step of the way 💙⛽️

@albionsammo: All the best in your recovery. Great show of togetherness from your team mates, manager and coaching staff. Good luck to the Gas for the rest of the season

@SimonDGould: Once a Gashead always a Gashead Nick 💙💙 always with you!

@angetaylorhali: Fantastic way to go!!! & loved @Joey7Barton comment “it’s gonna be a Commentator’s nightmare during the game” @BBCSport @SkySports 👏💙🤍

@Sammijayjax: We love you Nick 💙 With you every step of the way 💪 xx

@mjball_: Absolutely superb. Each and every one of them 👏🏻👏🏻

@LeeGibb71142321: Amazing work by everyone involved, some of these lads haven’t even played with Nick or are only on loan. Shows the commitment of the whole group starting with our amazing gaffer! 👏👏👏 @Joey7Barton #UTG

@Pontdi: Amazing effort @Official_BRFC can we have some head shots of the team before Saturday as I don’t recognise half of them now 🤣👀

@GnightIrene1883: Fair play to lads on loan this season that weren’t around still getting involved too 👏 love it

@BcfcGav: Well done fellers and get well soon Nick ☺️

@ClaughanAnthony: Amazing well done everyone of you it’s fans like you why ill always have a soft spot for the gas.👍👏👏👏👏

@AshtonBateman6: We’re all with you mate! City fan here but can’t wait for you beat this! 🙏🏼

@Steveha94785875: The whole of Bristol is behind you mate! Both the red side and blue. 😊

@AndyPearson68: This is great to see keep fighting Nick 👊 #Imps 🔴⚪️

@Kpz2005: 💙💙 Nick – you’ve got this & we’ve got you 💪🏻 stay positive & strong 💪🏻 ⛽️ 💙💙

@Ford4Caz: So much love for our number 16 💙

@leetbrookes80: Gibbo looks like even more of a headcase! 😂 Well played lads! 👏🏻 👨🏻‍🦲

@Hibbsy37: Well done lads and lasses. Gonna be cold in training tomorrow! Hats at the ready!

@LR1883: Keep fighting Nick, we are all with you and your family. Gashead forever 💙🤍💙🤍

@CraigWallberg: Well done to all of you. Football is about family and my god you’ve all shown Nick that you are very much part of his family. So proud of all of you. #utg

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