Cancer-fight Hartson to be father again
Cancer-stricken former West Bromwich Albion star John Hartson is expecting another baby by his girlfriend, it has emerged.
The 34-year-old has undergone emergency surgery and resumed radiotherapy after it was discovered testicular cancer had spread to his brain and lungs.
The ex-Wales international's partner Sarah McManus is carrying the couple's second child. They already have one-year-old daughter Lena, while he also has two children, 10-year-old Rebecca, and Joni, aged six, with ex-wife Lowri.
Fears have been raised that the father-of-three may now only have days to live as he remains critical but stable in hospital in his home city of Swansea, meaning he would never see his fourth child due in December.
It is believed he found out about the pregnancy just weeks before he was diagnosed with cancer.
Earlier this month Hartson went to Swansea's Singleton Hospital suffering from severe headaches, before tests revealed he was suffering from the disease, which had spread.
He was transferred to the city's Morriston Hospital to undergo emergency neuro surgery to release pressure from a tumour on his brain.
Hartson began his 16-year career as a teenager with Luton Town, before enjoying spells at Arsenal, Wimbledon, West Ham and Coventry City, as well as the Baggies and Glasgow giants Celtic, while he won 51 caps for Wales.
He played 24 times for Albion after signing from Celtic in June 2006 for £500,000, scoring six times during a two-year spell.
A statement released by Albion said: "Everyone at the club is sad to hear about John's illness.
"He was a popular figure during his time at The Hawthorns and is fondly remembered by everyone. John was always a fighter on the pitch throughout his career and the club would like to wish him all the best in his battle against cancer."
Messages of goodwill have flooding in for the 6ft 2ins star since his diagnosis, with football fans across the world pledging their support on internet message boards.
Champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, who successfully battled cancer, has also sent a message of encouragement, while new Celtic manager and ex-Baggies boss Tony Mowbray, who managed Hartson at The Hawthorns, has also pledged his best wishes.
A statement from Hartson's family said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill from thousands of fans, players, clubs and sporting figures."
