Former Wales, Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson is in a critical condition after emergency surgery on his brain following a cancer diagnosis. At the weekend, 34-year-old Hartson was told he had testicular cancer. The disease spread to his brain and on Wednesday, doctors confirmed it was also present in his lungs. A hospital statement read: "He is currently being cared for by the critical care team at Morriston and is receiving round-the-clock care aiming to stabilise his condition. He will resume radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible."
From the BBC News Website
It's the news everyone dreads. Cancer that is so widespread the chances of survival are slim. John Hartson scored a fair few goals for Celtic and for Wales over recent years. His big frame made him the ideal target man and he put my team Hearts to the sword on many an occasion. Last season he was a pundit on the now defunct Setanta Sports channel and his very presence in the studio or commentary box commanded respect. That the news that his cancer is so advanced will be a terrible shock not only to John but his family.
It doesn't seem that long ago that we were giving Big John pelters from the Tynecastle stands. It was all part of the banter of football and the Welshman accepted it with good grace. Unlike some of his Celtic team mates, I never heard Hartson say a bad word about Hearts. Even in his Setanta duties he praised Hearts for their efforts last season.
He is just 34 years old and is a father of three. He and his family will be devastated by this shocking news. I hope they find the strength to cope with it.
