Latest news with #JoeThompson
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Ex-footballer pledges to work out for 37 HOURS in a row in emotional fundraiser for former team-mate Joe Thompson who died aged 36 in April
A former footballer will exercise for 37 hours without sleep to raise money for a late ex-team-mate's family. Simon Ramsden will complete more than one-and-a-half days of back-to-back workout classes in Sunderland from June 27 to June 29 in memory of Joe Thompson. Thompson, a former Manchester United academy starlet, died aged 36 in April after his third battle with cancer. The duo played at Rochdale together for six years and Ramsden calls Thompson a 'special man'. Ramsden has shared a Just Giving page with the target of raising £3,000. Thompson leaves behind his wife Chantelle and two daughters, Thailula and Athena Rae, after losing his battle with lymphona, a type of blood cancer. 'Joe was a special man, anyone who knows Joe will vouch that he was like no other and he's been a special friend to me and something I will always treasure,' Ramsden wrote on Instagram. 'He led the way in every aspect of his life for the rest of us to follow and will forever be in our hearts and his legacy goes on. 'I want to raise as much money as possible from this event to provide a holiday for Joe's kids and for anything the family need at a time like this.' Tributes poured in for Thompson from his old clubs and team-mates after he died. Glenn Murray said: 'He was an unmatched energy all those years ago and it's something that he carried throughout his life. 'He was a shining light, even through illness and dark times in his life. He carried himself so well.' Thompson had previously been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and recovered before the cancer returned four years later. He went on to recover a second time before calling time on his career in 2019. Thompson's playing career included spells at Rochdale, Tranmere, Southport, Bury and Carlisle United, before he retired in 2019. He became a regular pundit on MUTV following his retirement and held an ambassadorial role, along with working as a motivational speaker and life coach.
ITV News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Packed funeral for Rochdale FC legend Joe Thompson who bravely faced cancer three times
Mourners have packed a church for the funeral of Rochdale FC legend Joe Thompson, who died after revealing he had cancer for the third died on 17 April after being diagnosed with Stage Four lymphoma, which had spread to his lungs. At least 400 people were inside St Mark's Church in Worsley, Salford, and about 200 more stood in the grounds to watch the service and highlights from Joe's career on coffin arrived, bearing a display of flowers reading 'Daddy', from his two daughters. It was carried into the church to the sounds of Take Me Home by Jess Glynne. White doves were released from white baskets - the first by Joe's widow Chantelle - followed by a spontaneous round of applause. During the service, Lula, Joe's 12 year old daughter, spoke during the service of their special bond: "It's your time to have the rest you deserve now," she said. "Thank you so much for being my best friend and you always will be for eternity you will be watching over s every single day and I know what a magical place you are in now."Fighting back tears, Chantelle Thompson said he was "soulmate... my rock... and my everything". She added: "I don't know who I am without him." Former team-mate Ryan Lowe said before the service: "You only have to look at the want to celebrate his life in style because he was a brilliant character, fantastic guy, unbelievable person and yeah, he'll be sadly missed. "But, as they'll do, they'll give him a good it's been a sad moment all round."Jim McNulty, the current Rochdale manager, said: "Joe was everything; he was our ultimate team mate and will remain so. Joe stood for all the principles through life and through his fight in life and how he converted his fight to happiness and enjoying the journey."
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Joe Thompson's funeral hears he was 'beacon of hope'
Former footballer Joe Thompson has been described as a "beacon of hope" at his funeral, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their who died last month aged 36, twice recovered from cancer during his playing career, which included more than 150 appearances for Rochdale service at St Marks Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester was packed earlier as mourners, including family, fans and former players gathered in the sunshine to celebrate his Thompson read a message to the congregation from his late brother Joe, who said he was "a lover of life, not a victim". His family had invited everyone to attend the funeral, where screens had been erected to broadcast the service outside for those who could not get into the Aston Villa and Man United striker Dion Dublin and Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge were among those to Sam Chanda told the congregation "Joe was known for his incredible kindness... not only by his loved ones but [also by] strangers"."He was more than just an amazing footballer. He was a beacon of hope who always put those around him first." he Thompson's widow Chantelle said her late husband was her "soulmate... my rock... and my everything". "He was unbelievable with what he went through," former Manchester United academy product Danny Webber said of Joe Thompson."I was better for knowing him."Former Manchester City defender Keith Curle, who managed Joe at Carlisle United, said he was a "wonderful human being".White doves were released at the end of the service as Gabrielle's Dreams was 12-year-old daughter Thailula said her late father had been "such a great role model for me""What a life we have had together," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Joe Thompson's tearful widow pays tribute to ‘my soulmate, my everything' at ex-Man Utd starlet's funeral
Several big names were in attendance at service ACE'S FAREWELL Joe Thompson's tearful widow pays tribute to 'my soulmate, my everything' at ex-Man Utd starlet's funeral Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOE THOMPSON'S tearful widow paid tribute to 'my soulmate, my everything' at the ex-Manchester United starlet's funeral. The Bath-born midfielder tragically died last month aged 36 following his third battle with cancer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 The funeral of former Manchester United starlet Joe Thompson was held on Monday Credit: Splash 12 The ace tragically died aged 36 after a third battle with cancer Credit: Splash 12 Dion Dublin was among the star names in attendance Credit: BackGrid 12 Danny Simpson paid tribute to his former teammate Credit: BackGrid 12 Thompson's tearful wife hailed her 'soulmate' Credit: BackGrid 12 Scott Sinclair was spotted at the service in Worsley, Great Manchester Credit: Splash Thompson, who retired from football in 2019 after spells at Rochdale, Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United, was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in April 2024. And fans were left in mourning when he passed away in April, with former side United leading the tributes. On Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life in a touching ceremony at St Mark's Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester. Former United players in the form of Dion Dublin and Danny Simpson were present at the service. While pals including Scott Sinclar and Wes Brown also attended. Thompson leaves behind wife Chantelle, daughter Lula, 10, and youngest child Athena Rae, 3. And in a tearful moment, his partner paid tribute to her 'soulmate.' As reported by the BBC, Chantelle said: 'He was my soulmate, my rock, and my everything. 'I don't know who I am without him.' Brother Reuben noted: 'What a day. I knew it would be an amazing turnout.' Joe Thompson's career stats Those numbers in full: 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 Pastor Sam Chanda added: 'He will be missed by so many people, but mainly by Chantelle and his two beautiful daughters. 'Joe was known for his incredible kindness, not only by his loved ones but also by strangers.' Hundreds of fans also attended the funeral, with many donating to charities in honour of Thompson. Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge was present too and said: 'He had a real zest for life. 'Everyone at Rochdale is incredibly sad. He was a wonderful man.' Following Thompson's death last month, Manchester United led the way with tributes. A statement read: 'A man who epitomised our club's values. We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away. 12 The funeral took place at St Mark's Church Credit: Splash 12 Scott Thomas was pictured at the funeral Credit: Splash 12 Wes Brown was also spotted arriving Credit: BackGrid 12 Thompson enjoyed two spells with Rochdale Credit: Rex Features 12 He retired from football in 2019 having beaten cancer twice Credit: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh 12 Tributes were paid up and down the country following his death last month Credit: Getty 'A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time.' Thompson, who came through the ranks at United before leaving in 2005 without making a senior appearance, enjoyed two spells at Rochdale – playing 196 times in total. Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year. Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016. However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later. Bravely facing the disease, Thompson summoned up the will to fight it off, managing to return to action just nine months after playing his previous match. What is Hodgkin lymphoma? 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 in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making a person more vulnerable to infection. Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes. This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more 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. He made his way further into the Rochdale history books after he scored a crucial goal after coming on as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season. It was his finish that helped secure a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale would be promoted to League One. The star made one more appearance for the club before his retirement in 2019. After leaving the beautiful game, Thompson moved into the world of public speaking. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained how the "aggressive" lymphoma was already at stage four. It had also spread to his lungs, making it difficult to breathe and sleep. And although it "hurt" him to get another diagnosis, Thompson had vowed to battle against it and win again. He said: "It's far from ideal and it's come back quite aggressive, so stage four. "The only positive is it is the same cancer as what I've had previously, but the issue for me this time is it's gone on to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult and even talking sometimes can be quite hard. "You've only got a certain amount of time on this earth. I always think you want to make the biggest impact you can possibly do on so many lives as possible. "That's where I'm at so I've got to lead from the front. I'm going to need cavalry and I'm ready for them to rise up and we'll just get through it again, and then we look at the future."
The Irish Sun
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Joe Thompson's tearful widow pays tribute to ‘my soulmate, my everything' at ex-Man Utd starlet's funeral
JOE THOMPSON'S tearful widow paid tribute to 'my soulmate, my everything' at the ex-Manchester United starlet's funeral. The Bath-born midfielder Advertisement 12 The funeral of former Manchester United starlet Joe Thompson was held on Monday Credit: Splash 12 The ace tragically died aged 36 after a third battle with cancer Credit: Splash 12 Dion Dublin was among the star names in attendance Credit: BackGrid 12 Danny Simpson paid tribute to his former teammate Credit: BackGrid 12 Thompson's tearful wife hailed her 'soulmate' Credit: BackGrid 12 Scott Sinclair was spotted at the service in Worsley, Great Manchester Credit: Splash Thompson, And fans were left in mourning when he passed away in April, with former side United leading the tributes. On Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life in a touching ceremony at St Mark's Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester. Former United players in the form of Dion Dublin and Danny Simpson were present at the service. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL While pals including Scott Sinclar and Wes Brown also attended. Thompson leaves behind And in a tearful moment, his partner paid tribute to her 'soulmate.' As reported by the Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 'I don't know who I am without him.' Brother Reuben noted: 'What a day. I knew it would be an amazing turnout.' Joe Thompson's career stats Those numbers in full: 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 Pastor Sam Chanda added: 'He will be missed by so many people, but mainly by Chantelle and his two beautiful daughters. 'Joe was known for his incredible kindness, not only by his loved ones but also by strangers.' Advertisement Hundreds of fans also attended the funeral, with many donating to charities in honour of Thompson. Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge was present too and said: 'He had a real zest for life. 'Everyone at Rochdale is incredibly sad. He was a wonderful man.' Following Thompson's death last month, Manchester United led the way with tributes. Advertisement A statement read: 'A man who epitomised our club's values. We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away. 12 The funeral took place at St Mark's Church Credit: Splash 12 Scott Thomas was pictured at the funeral Credit: Splash 12 Wes Brown was also spotted arriving Credit: BackGrid Advertisement 12 Thompson enjoyed two spells with Rochdale Credit: Rex Features 12 He retired from football in 2019 having beaten cancer twice Credit: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh 12 Tributes were paid up and down the country following his death last month Credit: Getty 'A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time.' Advertisement Thompson, who came through the ranks at United before leaving in 2005 without making a senior appearance, enjoyed two spells at Rochdale – playing 196 times in total. Thompson was After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year. Thompson went on to have spells at Advertisement However, his disease Bravely facing the disease, Thompson summoned up the will to fight it off, managing to What is Hodgkin lymphoma? 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 in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making a person more vulnerable to infection. Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes. This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more 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: . He made his way further into the Rochdale history books after he It was his finish that helped secure a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale would be promoted to League One. Advertisement The star made one more appearance for the club before his retirement in 2019. After leaving the beautiful game, Thompson moved Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained how the "aggressive" lymphoma was already at stage four. It had also spread to his lungs, making it difficult to breathe and sleep. Advertisement And although it "hurt" him to get another diagnosis, Thompson had vowed to battle against it and win again. He said: "It's far from ideal and it's come back quite aggressive, so stage four. "The only positive is it is the same cancer as what I've had previously, but the issue for me this time is it's gone on to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult and even talking sometimes can be quite hard. "You've only got a certain amount of time on this earth. I always think you want to make the biggest impact you can possibly do on so many lives as possible. Advertisement "That's where I'm at so I've got to lead from the front. I'm going to need cavalry and I'm ready for them to rise up and we'll just get through it again, and then we look at the future."
