What cancer did Joe Thompson have? Health struggles explored as footballer dies at 36

Former Rochdale footballer Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.

Thompson, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, had been diagnosed with cancer for the third time last year. As reported by The Guardian, his former club said in a statement:

“Rochdale Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Joe Thompson. Joe, who had been bravely battling cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side.”

Joe Thompson had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2013. A new father at the time, he was forced to undergo six months of chemotherapy, though he later went into remission.

By Christmas Eve in 2016, however, he relapsed. He subsequently underwent a stem cell transplant, following which he spent 18 days in isolation. By the third time, the cancer returned and metastasized to his lungs.

Joe Thompson's life and legacy explored:

Joe Thompson played over 200 games for Rochdale. He played for Tranmere when he was first diagnosed with cancer, following which he signed for Bury. He also spent time on loan at Southport and Wrexham as he recuperated from his treatment. The midfielder then made his way back to Rochdale from Carlisle when he was diagnosed for the second time.

By 2017, Thompson revealed that he was cancer-free, and less than a year later, he scored the goal that kept his team in League One, allowing them to come out on top against Charlton on the last day of the season.

Two years later, however, he announced that he would be retiring, noting at the time that his body had been pushed "to the limit." Before he joined Rochdale in 2005, he began his training at Manchester United's academy at the age of nine.

Shortly before his demise, Joe Thompson launched a fundraising initiative to support his mounting healthcare costs, noting on his GoFundMe page that his "journey has been one of resilience and hope."

"Once a professional footballer, my life took an unexpected turn in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma," he penned. "The joy of fatherhood was overshadowed by this daunting challenge, but with courage and determination, I faced six months of chemotherapy and emerged in remission."

His page goes on to detail how, in 2016, he had relapsed and "had to endure a stem cell transplant, where I spent 18 days in isolation, a period that tested my sanity but also showcased the strength of the human spirit." Reflecting on the struggles of battling cancer for the third time, he penned:

"Now, the cancer has returned with a vengeance, spreading to my lungs. In the face of adversity, I've been collaborating with oncologists and scientists, self-funding research to uncover the root cause of my recurring illness."

Joe Thompson also aimed to raise £250,000 to cover the costs of his ongoing treatment and to "pioneer a groundbreaking test that could prevent the recurrence of not only my cancer but potentially save countless lives in the future."

"As a family we have self funded the treatment and worked with the scientists so far with our own savings near on six figures but we still have a long way to go and would not have the opportunity to continue with the research and treatment without your support. Your generosity can make a world of difference. Any amount you can contribute will be deeply valued and will bring us closer to a future where no family has to endure this struggle alone," his page reads.

In their statement, Rochdale continued:

“We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality. He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story. Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

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As reported by The Guardian, Rochdale's players will sport black armbands for their upcoming National League match against Altrincham this Friday in honor of their fallen teammate.

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