A former Bristol Rovers defender has shared ‘the finest possible news [he] could have asked for’: he is cancer-free.
Following a painful knee, Nick Anderton was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in July 2022.
The 27-year-old required 28 weeks of chemotherapy as well as knee surgery.
Nick announced his retirement from football in April, after a nine-year career that included stops at Bristol Rovers, Carlisle, and Barrow.
However, in a social media statement on September 1, Nick stated that he had received the “best possible news.”
“My first scans have returned with the best possible news I could have hoped for, no sign of active disease,” he stated.
“This journey is far from over because the cancer can return, and I’ll be checked every few months for the foreseeable future.”
When asked about his path, he said, “Not how I expected my mid-twenties to turn out, but it is what it is.” I never imagined that a swollen knee would turn out to be bone cancer.
“I don’t think it’s possible to put into words how the last year has been, but I’m grateful to be here fighting on.”
“I had my full knee and 12cm of my femur replaced with metal, but I got to keep my knee cap.” Nearly 70 nights in the hospital, a couple infections to keep me on my toes.”
Nick began his career at Preston before moving on to Barrow in 2016. He later played for Blackpool, Accrington, and Carlisle before joining Bristol Rovers in May 2021.
He was a member of the team that earned the club promotion to League One in 2022.
In terms of his future plans, Nick stated that he will ‘try and enjoy some normal life with my family now’ and make the ‘greatest memories’ as he decides what to do next.
About The Author
Leave a Reply