Hartson undergoes emergency cancer surgery
Hartson undergoes emergency cancer surgery
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By Adam Leveridge. |  |
Wednesday, 15, Jul 2009 03:29
By Lewis Bazley.
Former footballer John Hartson has undergone emergency neurosurgery after learning cancer has spread through his body.
The 34-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the weekend and learned on Monday that the disease has spread to his brain.
Doctors have now confirmed that cancer has also been found in Hartson's lungs.
Capped 51 times by Wales, Hartson retired from football in February 2008 and has since worked as a television pundit.
A statement from Morriston Hospital in Swansea said the father-of-three was in a critical condition having undergone emergency brain surgery on Wednesday.
"He is currently being cared for by the critical care team at Morriston and is receiving round-the-clock care aiming to stabilise his condition," the statement added.
"He will resume radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible."
A statement from Hartson's family said the former Arsenal and Celtic striker's close family and friends were "continuing to support John in any way we can".
"He is receiving outstanding care from all the medical and surgical staff and we would like to thank everyone at both Singleton [hospital] and Morriston, as well as the excellent ambulance staff," the family said.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill from many thousands of football fans, players, clubs and sporting figures and we have drawn strength from this support."
Hartson moved to West Ham United after leaving Arsenal in February 1997 and also played for Wimbledon, Coventry City, Celtic, West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City.
He scored 14 goals for Wales in his 51 caps.