Fans’ support for ace’s cancer battle
FORMER Wales rugby international Matthew J Watkins has been inundated with messages of support after revealing the cancer he is battling has spread.
The 38-year-old, who lives in Blackwood, near Caerphilly, has spoken about his ongoing battle with the disease, which was first diagnosed in 2013.
As reported in yesterday’s Echo, he has told how the cancer in his pelvis has now spread to his spine.
Having started a new programme of intense radiation treatment at the Royal Free Hospital, London, he said: “Everything is going great and I’m trying out a new treatment. It is what it is. There’s nothing you can do about it, you’ve just got to crack on.
“It’s moved from my pelvis to my spine and I was told that news back in February. Basically they stopped my old treatment as it wasn’t that effective.
“It’s four treatments over the next year and that’s it regarding that.
“You can only have four treatments because of the damage it does to your kidneys. They give you a good dose of radiation which targets the cancer. I’ve started this treatment two weeks ago and I spend two days up there at a time.
“I’ll be going up there every two-andhalf-months for the radiation sessions. Velindre doesn’t do this treatment so I’m having to go up to London.”
Following his comments, Watkins, who played the last of his 18 games for Wales in 2006, has received staunch support from former players and the Welsh public.
Ex-internationals Stuart Evans and Mark Rowley, alongside ex-Wales A prop Brandon Cripps, were among those leaving messages of support for the popular midfielder on our WalesOnline website while fellow cancer sufferers and rugby fans also gave the Newport-born star comforting posts.
Rowley wrote: “All the best mate wishing you a speedy recovery stay strong mate”, while Evans said: “Best wishes Matthew and speedy recovery and what a top class player.”
A well-wisher, posting as “Rollings”, wrote: “I first met Matthew when I was employed by Newport Gwent Dragons and he was the ultimate gentleman – off the pitch! John Pritchard and himself would regularly volunteer their services for post-match sponsor meet-and-greets.
“Nothing was too much trouble and he always conducted himself then and around the club on a daily basis with humility, a sense of humour and always glad to meet anyone.
“I truly hope everything works out for him and the years ahead are not too difficult. No one deserves to be in his situation.”
Meanwhile, others who had their own brushes with the condition shared their positive messages.
Neil O’Brien wrote: “Matthew, so sorry to hear of this. I’ve had my own battle with a rare form of blood cancer and I count every day as a bonus. I’m 51 and have said from being diagnosed ‘it wont beat me.’”
Pack Power said: “I had cancer in my 20s, I think you just need to enjoy all those little things that make you smile. Good luck, a positive attitude is the best treatment.”