Liverpool players’ touching show of support for Welsh internationals

Liverpool’s players and staff have sent a touching message of support to Bournemouth’s David Brooks and Norwich City’s Dan Barden after it was revealed both are battling cancer.

Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, while Barden has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

During training the Reds squad gathered to hold up jerseys with the players’ names on, which have been autographed with messages of support and will be sent to Brooks and Barden.

Last month Wales star Brooks revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

In statement released on social media the AFC Bournemouth midfielder said he has Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma and that he would immediately begin a course of treatment.

He said that the diagnosis has come as a “shock” to himself and his family, but added that the prognosis is a “positive one”, and said that he is “confident” that he will make a “full recovery”.

The player also thanked everyone at the Football Association of Wales “because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness.”

In a statement released in social media he said: “This is a very difficult message for me to write. I have been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week.

“Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible.

“I’d like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period.

“I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness.

“I’d also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all of their support and assistance this past week.

Positive

He added: “Although I appreciate that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming months and I will share updates on my progress when I am able to do so.

“In the meantime, thank you to everyone for their messages of support – it means so much and will continue to do so in the months ahead.

“I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon.”

Wales U21 goalkeeper Dan Barden also issued a statement revealing his testicular cancer diagnosis.

He said: “I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital. The speed at which everything has moved has been crazy, but everyone has been absolutely brilliant with me. Both Daniel Farke and the Livingston manager, David Martindale, have also been very supportive.”

“The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we’ve caught it early and the prognosis and next steps have all been positive. I’m optimistic and have a positive mindset. I’m confident that I’ll be able to beat it and that I’ll be back out there doing what I love soon.”

“I’d like to thank everyone around me for their support. I know that the coming period will be challenging and would ask for privacy for me and my family at this stage. Where possible, I’ll do what I can to update on my progress.”