Express & Star

West Brom's Ben Foster gives cancer fighter, 72, a birthday to remember

A 72-year-old Baggies fan who is battling with cancer enjoyed a birthday to remember after meeting goalkeeper Ben Foster at the club's training ground.

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Allan Morris said he 'couldn't have wished for a better birthday present' after meeting the shot-stopper - who last year raised £10,000 for the charity Cure Leukaemia.

Mr Morris, from Hanbury in Worcestershire, was being treated for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) when Foster took part in the 500km London to Paris charity bike ride.

Allan, who is now in remission from the illness, said: "What an experience to meet Ben at the training ground. I grew up in Smethwick and have been a Baggies fan for over 60 years so I couldn't have wished for a better birthday present. Ben's fundraising for Cure Leukaemia has helped people like me and if it was not for this charity I may not have been able to celebrate my birthday this year."

"I am in remission but I still have long road in front of me as I will need a bone marrow transplant to rid my body of the disease once and for all but without Cure Leukaemia I may not have had this opportunity to look to the future. I look forward to being well enough to get back on my motorbike and watch Ben in action soon."

Ben Foster with Allan Morris

The father-of-two brought along an Albion shirt for Foster to sign but the England International went one better and asked the whole squad to sign.

Foster rode in the 'London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution' alongside former England and Wolves midfielder and blood cancer survivor Geoff Thomas.

The Baggies number one said: "It was humbling to meet Allan today and I am thrilled he is in remission from this terrible disease.

"Riding London to Paris last year was an amazing experience I will never forget for a truly inspirational charity in Cure Leukaemia.

"Spending time with Allan makes you realise what a life-changing difference the charity helps make for patients in the Midlands. I hope he enjoyed the day and I look forward to seeing him down at the Hawthorns soon!"

The funds that Foster raised went directly to helping patients, like Allan, battle blood cancer.

Allan has received a world first clinical trial through Cure Leukaemia's funding of specialist research nurse Donna Walsh to help cure his cancer.

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