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Winter 2018Joe Thompson: Cancer Survivor

Rochdale Football Club’s Joe Thompson kicked off the launch of his autobiography with a special book signing at the club. Fans had the chance to meet the man himself and have copies of ‘Darkness and Light: My Story’ signed ahead of its official release.

Darkness and Light is the heart-wrenching autobiography of Joe, a two-time cancer survivor.

Diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November 2013, when he was in his early 20s, Joe was given the all-clear after treatment in June 2014 - but the cancer returned.

Joe said the idea for a book came about through his agent, who has since died. He explained: “When he died, I was adamant I would complete the book he said I should write.

“Fortunately, I was writing notes in case I passed away, so my family could look back at what I was thinking at the time.

“The hardest part was just getting my head around it because I thought I was so young and healthy.”

Almost three years later, the cancer had returned. Joe had further treatment until declared ‘cancer free’ in June 2017.

Joe said: “It helped my game; I became more determined.

“It’s nice to hold the book knowing your life is in there, but I’m only 29. To have gone through that, I hope I have another two 29s ahead.

“I had a turbulent childhood. It wasn’t easy but mum made the best of the situation. I’m grateful for everything, and I do have a massive appetite for life.

“The hardest part about writing this book was having to talk and be honest with people. I had to visit father in prison. It was quite draining, but I’d advise anyone to write your story down. I know people will take a lot from it and that it’ll have a positive impact.

“No matter the situation, you can drag yourself out of it and you can get over setbacks.

“Cherish what you have and appreciate your loved ones, because you never know. No-one thinks they’re going to have any setbacks, but I know mine have only made me stronger.”

Joe also cites his wife, Chantelle, and their daughter, Thailula-Lily, as pillars of support.

He added: “Lula’s happy; she wants to take my book to show and tell at school, but I’m not sure how a six-year-old can tell her friends why I looked like that. She can read it when she’s older but she’s just happy to be in it."

The former pupil at St Vincent’s Primary School in Norden, and St Cuthbert’s High School, spent six years at Rochdale Football Club in the first team before moving to Tranmere Rovers in 2012.

After defeating cancer for the second time, Joe made an emotional return to play for Rochdale in an FA Cup replay against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, realising a dream of playing at the national stadium. He also scored the goal that meant Dale survived relegation from League One on the final day of the season.

He smiled: “That was a special moment. If you were a fan that day, it was so surreal and unbelievable. I have family who live a mile or so away from the ground who said they had never heard anything like it.

“It all came together at the back end of last season with this fairytale ending.”