Joe Thompson, a former Manchester United player, has passed away at the age of 36.
The midfielder, born in Bath, had been diagnosed with cancer for the third time in April of the previous 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 previously recovered from cancer twice during his career as a player, which began and ended with Rochdale.
He progressed through Manchester United`s academy from the age of nine before joining Rochdale, where he spent most of his 13-year career.
Manchester United expressed their condolences for their former academy player, stating: “A man who embodied our club`s values – we are saddened to hear about the passing of Joe Thompson.”
“A warm person 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.”
Rochdale, his beloved team, confirmed Thompson`s death, mentioning that he passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday.
In a heartfelt tribute, the club shared their “devastation” upon learning the news.
They stated: “Joe, who had been bravely fighting cancer for the 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 team, representing the club with pride.”
“Initially, we knew Joe as a talented footballer, but we quickly grew to love his kind, infectious personality.”
The club added, “He faced every challenge head-on, both on and off the field.”
“His journey and unwavering spirit have been an inspiration to everyone who has heard 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 during this incredibly sad time.”
Thompson`s first diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer, was in 2013.
After a courageous battle and recovery, 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.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
It is not common, with around 2,100 people diagnosed every year in the UK.
Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75. Slightly more men than women are affected.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients per year. It is more common as you get older, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 75.
In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply abnormally and collect in parts of the lymphatic system, such as lymph nodes (glands).
The affected lymphocytes lose their ability to fight infection, making a person more susceptible to infection.
Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes.
This can occur in any area of the body, but often in the neck, armpit, or groin.
The swelling is usually painless, although some people find it aches.
Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also experience other general symptoms. These can 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.
Thompson bravely faced the disease again, finding the strength to fight it off and 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.
Thompson made one more appearance for the club before retiring in 2019.
After retiring from football, Thompson became a public speaker.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained that the “aggressive” lymphoma was already at stage four.
It had also spread to his lungs, causing breathing and sleep difficulties.
Although another diagnosis “hurt” him, Thompson vowed to fight it again and win.
He said: “It’s far from ideal, and it`s returned quite aggressively, at stage four.”
“The only positive is that it`s the same cancer as before, but this time it has affected my lungs, so breathing is an issue, sleeping is difficult, and even talking can be challenging at times.”
“You only have a limited time on this earth. I always believe you should make the biggest positive impact you can 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 everyone to step up, and we`ll get through this again, and then we`ll look to the future.”
He also started a GoFundMe campaign at the time to help with his treatment, which raised over £108,000.
Career statistics:
- 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 at a young age.
At nine years old, he joined the Manchester United academy, staying there until he was 16.
In the summer of 2005, he joined Rochdale on a youth training scheme, making his first-team debut against Carlisle United the following May.
He became a regular player for the team and was crucial in Rochdale`s promotion to League One in 2010.
In 2012, his first period 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, making seven appearances.
After playing for several other clubs, he consistently returned to Rochdale.
As a tribute, Rochdale`s first team will wear black armbands during today`s match at Altrincham.
There are also plans to honor Thompson at the club`s next home game against AFC Flyde on Easter Monday.
Rochdale added: “Joe’s legacy will live on forever – he’s one of our own.”
Marcus Bellamy