Bristol unites to support Rovers player diagnosed with rare bone cancer

“The whole football world is rooting for you.”
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Support and well-wishes have flooded in for Nick Anderton after the Bristol Rovers defender announced he had been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.

Anderton, who has been with the Gas since the summer of 2021, said it had been a ‘huge shock’ to be told that he had Osteosarcoma.

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But the 26-year-old added that he wanted to remain ‘positive and hopeful’ as he prepared for surgery in the coming weeks.

Anderton helped Bristol Rovers to promotion from League Two as a key member of the promotion winning squad.

He was seen ‘swinging off a traffic light’ on Gloucester Road as Rovers fans and the team ‘partied into the night’.

Hundreds of people from within and outside of the ‘Gas family’ flocked flocked to social media to wish the player all the best with his recovery.

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Posting on the club’s Facebook page, Nadine Amos said: “All gasheads would want nothing more than to see you back fit and healthy, climbing up another lamp post.

“Best of luck with the op and speedy recovery. Thinking of you.”

Patricia Mullinder said: “Nick, you can beat this. Stay positive and if you feel low remember apart from your family and friends.

“Your Gas family are behind you 100%. And what ever happens in the league, I want to see you hanging from that lamp post at the end of the season.”

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Peter Swallow said: “Doesn’t matter what club you support, when news like this comes out you just can’t help feel for the player and his family.

“As a Terrier fan, I sincerely wish Nick Anderton all the best in his treatment ahead.”

Kevin Taylor said: “Cancer has no colours! Very best of luck in your fight, fella. Thoughts with you from The Red side of town.”

And Richard Beel posted: “Dreadful news Nick, hopefully the outpouring of love and support from not only Gasheads but also the wider football community will galvanise you to beat this horrendous disease.

“Love and best wishes to you and your family.”

Nick Anderton’s statement

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“Unfortunately, this rare form of cancer which is affecting my femur means that I’ll be undergoing an operation in the coming weeks.

“This diagnosis has come as a huge shock to both myself and my family; however, we are remaining positive and hopeful.

“I want to thank everyone at Bristol Rovers, especially Club Doctor Ian Ferguson and Head of Medical Stuart Leake, the specialists at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham and my family for their continued support.

“I want to wish the boys all the best for the upcoming season, starting this Saturday back at The Mem. Hopefully I can be swinging off another traffic light on Gloucester Road come May!”

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