Manchester Evening News

I aim to beat my cancer in 90 minutes, says Mickey

FORMER UNITED STAR ‘BLOWN AWAY’ BY SUPPORT AS £14K RAISED TO HELP HIM

- By PAUL BRITTON paul.britton@men-news.co.uk @PaulBritto­nMEN

UNITED fan favourite Mickey Thomas says he aims to beat cancer ‘in 90 minutes, with no extra time or penalties.’

The Reds cult hero, 64, was diagnosed with stomach cancer shortly after Christmas and said he was starting his treatment yesterday.

In an emotional message, he said he’s been ‘blown away’ by the amount of support he’s received since the news broke.

Writing on Twitter, the former Wales internatio­nal said the ‘fight back’ starts now.

Thomas, a striker signed by United from Wrexham in 1978, made 90 appearance­s for the club, scoring 11 goals. He also won 51 caps for Wales.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Hi everyone, today is the day I start my treatment and my fight back against the big C.

“I aim to beat this in 90 minutes with no extra time and penalties.

“I have been blown away by the love, kindness and support. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Thomas, who also works as a football pundit, said he first noticed something wasn’t right when he was having difficulty eating properly, and added that he’s already had an operation to help him to digest food.

A fundraisin­g bid to help support him has been launched on GoFundMe - and the total now stands at more than £14,000.

The appeal claims Thomas faces chemothera­py and radiothera­py ahead of an operation to remove a tumour.

It reads: “Still such a presence around Old Trafford and very much a part of the United family, Mickey is one of the most loveable guys you could meet.

“He is full of life, fun-loving and generous beyond belief, so please give what you can and join us in supporting him in his fight.

“But he is currently facing the biggest battle, beating cancer.

“Unable to work while going through treatment, Mickey has no source of income, so his friends are getting together to raise money to help cover his living and travel expenses, plus some of the medical expenses related to the treatments he requires - including having all of his teeth replaced. He shouldn’t be worrying about money during this tough time; we want his focus to be on beating this awful disease and getting back with us all as soon as possible.”

Thomas went on to play for clubs including Stoke City, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.

 ??  ?? Mickey Thomas has revealed he has stomach cancer
Mickey Thomas has revealed he has stomach cancer
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