Nick Anderton provides an emotional update on his cancer battle months after he announced he was retiring from football at the age of 26.
In July 2022, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, meaning he had to undergo an operation on his femur.
On the opening day of the 2022–23 campaign, as his side played host to Forest Green, both sets of players wore shirts in the warm-up to show their support for Anderton. An applause came in the 16th minute of the match, representing Anderton’s shirt number at Rovers, and when Aaron Collins equalised, he dedicated the goal to his teammate, holding up a replica shirt with Anderton’s name on the back, as can be seen below.
Manager Joey Barton said that Anderton’s surgery would likely leave him unable to walk for a year, vowing that both he and the L eague Oneclub would support the player and his young family with Barton promising to run the London Marathon in order to raise money for him.
A lot of 💙 for @nickanderton_ yesterday 👏#BristolRovers pic.twitter.com/lnVGmbXmVz
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) July 31, 2022
That was for you brother @nickanderton_ 💙❤️ https://t.co/nAATqnsEEu
— Aaron Collins (@aaroncollinsx) July 30, 2022
Anderton had a successful treatment in October 2022 to remove the tumour. But, in December, it was revealed that the tumour had been sent off for a further look following the operation, revealing that the cancerous cells were more aggressive than previously thought and that Anderton would require chemotherapy treatment.
Anderton said he was “taken aback” by the support he received from loved ones, fans, staff and colleagues throughout his battle.
In a bid to raise funds for the player, Rovers set up several local initiatives, with Joey Barton, along with the rest of the playing and coaching staff, deciding to shave their heads on the 16th of January 2023, showing support for Anderton and encouraging the club’s supporters to do the same, in order to raise awareness of the subject. A plenty did just that! See more on that HERE.
Anderton retired from professional football in April 2023, aged 26.
He has since took to social media with an update, writing on the 28th of June 2023: “A year ago today I returned for pre season, what a year it’s been.
“Today I returned to the Christie hospital to start my final week of chemo therapy 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 learnt 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 in to even more perspective it’s really tough for patients and families.
“Spending over 70 nights here I’ve met all sorts of different people from different back grounds with different diagnosis but everyone is on the same journey and to be able to discuss journeys with patients and their family’s is amazing in some way that may be hard to understand.
“My journey is far from over as I’ll be having scans late July to see if the treatment has worked but to complete the initial treatment is a milestone and this is the reality of my life now and I’m ok with that.
“You’ve got to stay optimistic and hope for the best, take every day as it comes and be happy. Keep fighting.”
— Nick Anderton (@nickanderton_) June 28, 2023
ON RETIRING:
“I’ve had 6 months to prepare some words for this moment and I still don’t know what to say.
“It’s been extremely difficult to come to terms with, but I’ve decided today is the day to announce that at the age of 26 I have to retire from professional football.
“This is due to an operation I had in October 2022 to remove a cancerous tumour from my right femur.
“This resulted in a complete knee replacement, and a further 12cm of my femur replaced.
“There was optimism that I could return to playing after the initial planned operation/ treatment but a scan 5 days prior revealed it would not be safe if they didn’t replace the full joint, therefore the operation changed. Looking back at the last 10 years, I have nothing but fond memories.
“To every club I’ve represented, thank you for the opportunity.
“To every manager and coach I’ve worked under, thank you for the time you invested in me. To every player I’ve shared a dressing room with and every player I’ve competed against on the pitch, thank you.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure.
“I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who has sent messages, donated and said a prayer.
“Your kind words and support for me and my family throughout this journey has been incredible and we can’t thank you enough.
“It’s given me even more motivation to continue fighting and to complete every single millilitre of chemotherapy that I need.”
Thank you for the messages of support from every single person, the strength they’ve given my family can’t be described. It’s been one hell of a year to say the least. Staying positive and taking each day as it comes💪 got to try and keep the mind healthy🧠 pic.twitter.com/15exNClpNT
— Nick Anderton (@nickanderton_) December 21, 2022
There was plenty of heartfelt replies sent to Nick Anderton, after he provides an emotional update on his cancer battle months after retiring age 26…
@brfcjacob: Love you Nick
@dechinds14: Keep going mate! Can’t believe how strong you’ve been! ❤️
@SimonDGould: Great news that the Chemo is nearly over Nick – you’ve really shown your strength and character. Scans after that and hopefully the road ahead is then much clearer & you can make real plans. Hope we can see you down the Mem before too long!
@Alfiebiggs: Keep on going Nick, love your outlook, courage and resilience. Massively inspiring. Best wishes UTG
@sjreynolds1883: So far so good. Fingers crossed that path to recovery stays as smooth as it can. Hopefully you may get to rest a while now…. We’re all rooting for you
@Ryann_BRFC_95: Keep fighting Nick 💙
@PaulDav89093674: Keep fighting Nick. My mum beat bowel cancer. Back of the net!
@Ford4Caz: So much love Nick always 💙
@SouthBrisGas: Great positive attitude keep it going Nick you got this! 👍
@westgirly21: Well done Nick, you’ve got an amazing attitude! Keep going. UTG 💙
@CUFC70: Keep going Nick, nearly there! Have to get yourself to Brunton Park for Carlisle v Rovers next season – sure you’ll receive a hero’s welcome
@swanseagas: You are an inspiration, Nick. Got an army behind you! UTG
@shay1808b: Nick, you are an amazing inspiration to many people. You and your family have had to deal with the most devastating news and yet your outlook has remained positive. Looking forward to more positive news in the coming months 👍🏻💙
@FormallyRicky: Big love Nick. Smash the last treatment top bins & start that journey to recovery 💙🤍 #UTG #16
@Ed_MannBRFC: Absolute legend – keep fighting Nick! 💙
@OneRoversVlogs: What an absolute warrior 💪🏻 you are such an amazing inspiration to so many people. Stay strong Nick, much love to you & your family. Keep fighting Shinesta, we’re all with you 💪🏻💪🏻💙💙 #NA16
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