My dad’s fine now but I treasure time with him
LAST Friday marked five years since Scottish football legend Gordon McQueen announced he had cancer of the larynx.
The former Manchester United defender had to undergo an operation and treatment in what was an extremely worrying time for his family.
Gordon, now 64, successfully fought the disease and is now enjoying life at home in Yorkshire.
The illness had an effect on all the family, including eldest daughter Hayley, a presenter with Sky Sports.
She now devotes as much time as she can to raising awareness of cancer.
“Dad’s doing well,” Hayley said. “His voice still isn’t what it once was.
“He was known for his deep, powerful voice – and it’s still loud, to be fair – but it’s gruff now and sounds like he’s been out boozing.
“Doctors found something a few months ago during a routine check-up and did a biopsy. It turned out to be nothing but we did worry it was back.
“Life has definitely slowed down but that’s probably an age thing, too.
“He’s of that generation of tough, hard Scotsmen who, even if he’s falling apart, would never let you know.
“My sister has a baby and lives in the same village as my parents, who have finally downsized. “They have a nice life.” Hayley, 36, noticed her dad wasn’t himself prior to the diagnosis – as did viewers who tuned in to Sky where he worked as a pundit. “He had a gruff voice and cold for a while,” she explained. “I had driven him to Elland Road for a game between Leeds and Man Utd and his throat was really sore.
“I told him he needed to go to the doctor. He slept all the way home in the car, which wasn’t like him. “After the match a viewer got in touch with the station and showed concern.
“It so happened Mum and Dad had just sold their house to an ear, throat and nose specialist, so he went to see him.”
Her dad’s illness came at a time when lots of people close to Hayley were unwell and it left a mark on her.
“A friend lost her dad, another fought bowel cancer, and a friend the same age as me discovered she had breast cancer. It seemed a time in my life when everyone around me was going through this.
“It makes you treasure the time you have. I usually have three days off each week and I come back north to spend time with my parents. I want to make the most of the time I have with them.”
As well as hosting Game Of The Day and fronting live football coverage for viewers in Ireland, Hayley also presents Sky Sports News.
“I worry about the day when I’m on air and a family friend from football passes away. I’m not quite sure how I would cope,” she admitted.
In the meantime, she’s doing all she can to raise awareness and has most recently worked with ScottishPower as it partners Cancer Research UK.
“I’m not mega-famous but I have a following on social media,” said Hayley. “I don’t have kids yet, I’m not married and don’t have other responsibilities, so if I have the opportunity to raise awareness and funds, I’ll do as much as I can.”