Joe Thompson, a former promising player from Manchester United, has sadly died at the young age of 36.
The midfielder, born in Bath, had been fighting cancer for the third time since April of last year. He had retired from professional football in 2019.
He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that had spread to his lungs.
Thompson had twice successfully recovered from cancer during his football career, which started and concluded with Rochdale.
He joined Manchester United`s academy at the age of nine and later moved to Rochdale, where he played for most of his 13-year career.
Manchester United expressed their sadness, paying tribute to their former youth player: "A person who embodied our club`s values – we are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joe Thompson."
"A kind individual who had a strong connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe`s family and friends during this difficult time."
His death was confirmed by Rochdale, his beloved team, who announced that he passed away peacefully at home with his family around him on Thursday.
In a heartfelt tribute, the club shared their "devastation" at the news.
They stated: "Joe, who had been bravely fighting cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by his family.
"Known to those at Rochdale as ‘Joey T’, he played over 200 games for his local club, representing the team with pride.
"Initially, we knew Joe as a talented footballer, but we quickly grew to love his warm and infectious personality."
The club added, about Thompson joining in 2005: "He faced every challenge directly, both on and off the field.
"His journey and unwavering spirit have inspired everyone who has been touched by his story.
"Above all, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and a wonderful father to Thailula and Athena Rae.
"Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.
After bravely fighting and overcoming it, he returned to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.
Thompson then played for Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before returning to Rochdale in 2016.
However, his cancer returned for a second time just months later.
What is Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
It is uncommon, with about 2,100 people diagnosed yearly in the UK.
Hodgkin lymphoma can occur at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years old and those over 75. It affects slightly more men than women.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, conversely, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients each year. It becomes more common as people age, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over 75.
In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a specific type of lymphocyte) start to multiply abnormally and collect in parts of the lymphatic system, like lymph nodes (glands).
The affected lymphocytes lose their ability to fight infection, making a person more susceptible to infection.
Like all cancers, symptoms differ and can be vague. However, patients often notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes.
This can be in any body area, but is often in the neck, armpit, or groin.
The swelling is usually painless, though some may find it aches.
Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also experience other general symptoms. These may include:
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- A high temperature (fever)
- A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness
- Persistent itching of the skin all over the body
Source: Cancer Research UK and the NHS.
Facing the disease bravely, Thompson found the strength to fight it off, returning to play just nine months after his previous match.
He further etched his name in Rochdale`s history by scoring a vital goal as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season.
His goal secured a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale`s promotion to League One.
The player made one more appearance for the club before retiring in 2019.
After retiring from football, Thompson transitioned into public speaking.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he described how the "aggressive" lymphoma was already at stage four.
It had also spread to his lungs, causing breathing and sleep difficulties.
Despite the "hurt" of another diagnosis, Thompson vowed to fight it and win again.
He said: "It’s not ideal and it`s returned quite aggressively, at stage four.
"The only positive is it`s the same cancer as before, but this time it`s in my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult, and even talking can be hard sometimes.
"You have a limited time on earth. I believe you should aim to make the biggest positive impact on as many lives as possible.
"That’s my mindset, so I need to lead from the front. I’ll need support, and I’m ready for it. We’ll get through this again, and then we’ll look to the future."
He had also started a GoFundMe campaign at the time to help with treatment costs, which raised over £108,000.
Joe Thompson`s career stats
Full career numbers:
- Rochdale, 2005-2012: 157 games, 17 goals
- Tranmere Rovers, 2012-2014: 32 games, 4 goals
- Rochdale (loan), 2012-2013: 7 games, 0 goals
- Bury, 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals
- Wrexham (loan), 2014-2015: 1 game, 0 goals
- Southport (loan), 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals
- Carlisle United, 2015-2016: 17 games, 1 goal
- Rochdale, 2016-2019: 39 games, 4 goals
Thompson was born in Bath on March 5, 1989, and moved to Rochdale as a child.
At just nine years old, he joined the Manchester United academy and stayed until he was 16.
In the summer of 2005, he joined Rochdale on a youth training contract, making his first-team debut against Carlisle United the following May.
He became a regular player, playing a key role in Rochdale`s promotion to League One in 2010.
In 2012, his first time at the club ended, having made 157 appearances and scored 17 goals.
Despite moving to Tranmere Rovers, he returned to Rochdale on loan that season, playing seven games.
After periods at other clubs, he consistently returned to Rochdale.
Rochdale`s first team will wear black armbands in today`s match against Altrincham as a tribute.
There are also plans to honor him at the club`s next home game against AFC Flyde on Easter Monday.
Rochdale added: "Joe’s legacy will last forever – he is one of our own."
