Few footballers have more reason to be thankful to the NHS than John Hartson.
For almost two decades he was a warrior on the football pitch, adored by fans of Celtic, West Ham and Wimbledon among others while collecting over 50 caps for Wales.
All of that counted for little in 2009 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, something that he had suspected for a while. By the time he went to hospital it had spread to his brain and lungs. Emergency surgery was required with football fans fearing the worst.
The NHS saved my life.. I owe them a huge gratitude.. ?? now they are saving thousands of lives absolutely outstanding ??????????????????
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) March 26, 2020
There is always Hope. #WorldCancerDay pic.twitter.com/DDKSzYU0Jj
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) February 4, 2020
Five months after going into hospital, after emergency surgery Hartson announced that he had been given the all clear.
Over the last decade Hartson has been constantly fund raising for cancer research. Every year he hosts a golf day and charity dinner that highlights the work being done in the NHS while also raising massive funds.
CLICK HERE to read more about the John Hartson foundation.