Page 11 - Real Rochdale - Winter 2018

JOE THOMPSON

cancer survivor

Rochdale Football Club’s Joe Thompson kicked
off the launch of his autobiography with a special
book signing at the club. Fans had the chance to
meet the man himself and have copies of
‘Darkness and Light: My Story’ signed ahead of its
official release.

Darkness and Light is the heart-wrenching
autobiography of Joe, a two-time cancer survivor.

Diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma in November 2013, when he was in
his early 20s, Joe was given the all-clear after
treatment in June 2014 - but the cancer returned.

Joe said the idea for a book came best of the situation. I’m grateful can read it when she’s older but
about through his agent, who for everything, and I do have a she’s just happy to be in it.
has since died. He explained: massive appetite for life.
“When he died, I was adamant I The former pupil at St Vincent’s
would complete the book he said “The hardest part about writing Primary School in Norden, and St
I should write. this book was having to talk and Cuthbert’s High School, spent six
be honest with people. I had to years at Rochdale Football Club
“Fortunately, I was writing notes visit father in prison. It was quite in the first team before moving to
in case I passed away, so my draining, but I’d advise anyone Tranmere Rovers in 2012.
family could look back at what I to write your story down. I know
was thinking at the time. people will take a lot from it and After defeating cancer for the
that it’ll have a positive impact. second time, Joe made an
“The hardest part was just emotional return to play for
getting my head around it “No matter the situation, you can Rochdale in an FA Cup replay
because I thought I was so young drag yourself out of it and you can against Tottenham Hotspur at
and healthy.” get over setbacks. Wembley, realising a dream of
playing at the national stadium.
Almost three years later, the “Cherish what you have and He also scored the goal that
cancer had returned. Joe had appreciate your loved ones, meant Dale survived relegation
further treatment until declared because you never know. No-one from League One on the final day
‘cancer free’ in June 2017. thinks they’re going to have any of the season.
setbacks, but I know mine have
Joe said: “It helped my game; I only made me stronger.” He smiled: “That was a special
became more determined. moment. If you were a fan that
Joe also cites his wife, Chantelle, day, it was so surreal and
“It’s nice to hold the book and their daughter, Thailula-Lily, unbelievable. I have family who
knowing your life is in there, but as pillars of support. live a mile or so away from the
I’m only 29. To have gone through ground who said they had never
that, I hope I have another two He added: “Lula’s happy; she heard anything like it.
29s ahead. wants to take my book to show
and tell at school, but I’m not sure “It all came together at the back
“I had a turbulent childhood. It how a six-year-old can tell her end of last season with this
wasn’t easy but mum made the friends why I looked like that. She fairytale ending.”

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