John Hartson has brain cancer.

Saftlad · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject: John Hartson has brain cancer.

Former Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic star John Hartson has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

The ex-Wales striker went to hospital on Friday after suffering from splitting headaches, and tests revealed testicular cancer that had spread to the brain.
The 34-year-old will begin chemotherapy on Monday.

Hartson's former club Celtic offered their support to the man who represented the club 146 times between 2001 and 2006.

"John Hartson is a man whom Celtic Football Club has immense respect and affection for," the club said in a statement.

"He has served the club, and the game of football in general, with distinction over many years.

"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. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtic family are with John at this time."

A friend of Hartson's explained to The Sun how the cancer had been discovered.

"John had complained of really bad headaches recently," he said.

"It reached the stage where he felt something was seriously wrong.

"It's devastating news for John and his family. His father is at his bedside and worried sick. But the doctors are upbeat about his prospects and chemotherapy will begin right away. John is a big, strong man.

"Throughout his career he was a battler - he'll fight this with everything he's got."

Hartson was the most expensive teenager in British history when he joined Arsenal from Luton for £2.5 million in 1995.

His most successful spell at club level came with Celtic, whom he joined for £6m in 2001. He scored 88 SPL goals in five seasons and won the 2005 Player of the Year award.

He scored 14 goals in 51 appearances for his country.

Julie C · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 4:03 pm Post subject:

Thoughts & prayers are for John & his family & friends, take care luv Juliexx

Saftlad · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:43 pm Post subject:

Update

John hartson is in a very bad way, he has had surgery and doctors confirmed that that the cancer which has spread to his brain, has now also spread to his lungs, I wish him and his family the best.

hakkie · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Very sad news, Chloe is a keen Celtic supporter.

F.K.R. · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:18 am Post subject:

Terrible news!

Shar · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

Very sad news.