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| Hartson treated for brain cancer | Hartson treated for brain cancer |
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| Former Wales football international John Hartson is suffering from testicular cancer which has spread to his brain, it has been confirmed. | Former Wales football international John Hartson is suffering from testicular cancer which has spread to his brain, it has been confirmed. |
| The 34-year-old striker, who spent five years with Celtic, was diagnosed at Swansea's Singleton Hospital on Sunday. | The 34-year-old striker, who spent five years with Celtic, was diagnosed at Swansea's Singleton Hospital on Sunday. |
| Hartson was capped 51 times for Wales during his career. | Hartson was capped 51 times for Wales during his career. |
| The hospital said in a statement the footballer would be starting a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which would last "for many months". | The hospital said in a statement the footballer would be starting a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which would last "for many months". |
| Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, said: "Mr Hartson attended Singleton Hospital on Friday (10 July) displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer. | Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, said: "Mr Hartson attended Singleton Hospital on Friday (10 July) displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer. |
| "A number of clinical tests were put in place and these have confirmed the presence of testicular cancer. Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that this cancer has spread to Mr Hartson's brain. | "A number of clinical tests were put in place and these have confirmed the presence of testicular cancer. Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that this cancer has spread to Mr Hartson's brain. |
| "We are awaiting the results of further tests to establish a full picture of Mr Hartson's diagnosis. | "We are awaiting the results of further tests to establish a full picture of Mr Hartson's diagnosis. |
| "We will be commencing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible and foresee many months of treatment. | "We will be commencing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible and foresee many months of treatment. |
| It is very difficult for us to understand what John is going through at the moment, but we will offer any support we can to a great Celtic player Celtic statement | |
| "We realise that Mr Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress. | "We realise that Mr Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress. |
| "However, while treatment is ongoing we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected." | "However, while treatment is ongoing we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected." |
| Swansea-born Hartson's former clubs include West Ham, Arsenal, Wimbledon, Coventry City and Luton Town. | Swansea-born Hartson's former clubs include West Ham, Arsenal, Wimbledon, Coventry City and Luton Town. |
| His family released a statement saying: "All the family, and John's friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery. | His family released a statement saying: "All the family, and John's friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery. |
| "John is getting excellent care from the oncologists at the hospital as he begins his treatment. | "John is getting excellent care from the oncologists at the hospital as he begins his treatment. |
| "John is a family man and we appreciate all the messages of support we have already received." | "John is a family man and we appreciate all the messages of support we have already received." |
| 'Well-liked' | |
| His former club Celtic issued a statement of support. | His former club Celtic issued a statement of support. |
| "Clearly, everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time. | "Clearly, everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time. |
| "It is very difficult for us to understand what John is going through at the moment, but we will offer any support we can to a great Celtic player." | "It is very difficult for us to understand what John is going through at the moment, but we will offer any support we can to a great Celtic player." |
| Peter Rafferty, president of the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters' Clubs said: "He was one of our major heroes and really well-liked and appreciated by the fans. He always gave 100%. | |
| "It's so sad that something like this could happen to someone so young. He is still a very young man and has a young family. | |
| "It's a real tragedy and we just wish him well with his treatment." | |
| Hartson was signed by former manager Martin O'Neill in 2001 for £6m and spent five years at the Parkhead ground, scoring 89 goals. | |
| He was voted Player of the Year by his fellow professionals and the Scottish Football Writers Association. |