Hartson starts cancer treatment

John Hartson has received get well messages from many quarters

John Hartson has started chemotherapy to fight the testicular cancer which has also spread to his brain and lungs.

The ex-Wales, Arsenal and Celtic footballer was moved out of critical care and onto a cancer ward at the weekend.

The latest bulletin issued by doctors now treating him at Singleton Hospital in Swansea said treatment had begun.

The family of the 34-year-old repeated their thanks for the "tremendous support" from the public.

The latest statement from the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust on Tuesday confirmed the retired footballer had started his chemotherapy treatment.

It said Hartson remains under the care of the cancer team at Singleton Hospital where he was transferred from Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

Thanks to public

The family of the father-in-three said in their own statement issued through the health trust: "We're pleased John has been able to start his chemotherapy and move forward with his cancer treatment.

"We'd like to reiterate our thanks to the public for the tremendous support they are showing John and the family."

Swansea-born Hartson, 34, was diagnosed with testicular cancer that has spread to his brain about three weeks ago.

He was admitted to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and it was discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs.

He underwent a second procedure on his brain but his condition improved and he was transferred out of the critical care unit at Morriston on Sunday.

The trust has appealed to fans not to phone or turn up at the hospital to inquire about his health.

The former soccer star who retired in February 2008 had been given a boost by messages of support from troops in Afghanistan and US Marines, his family revealed last week.

Among the many messages he has received is one from Lance Armstrong, the American cyclist who has himself overcome cancer.