Joe Thompson Returns To Action After Beating Cancer For The SECOND Time

Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson made his return to professional football yesterday after beating cancer for the second time.

Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013 and was given the all-clear a year later.

Unfortunately, the 28-year old found out the horrible disease had returned earlier this year. But again, he displayed unparalleled strength and fight to come out on top again, announcing he was cancer-free in brilliant fashion back in June.

After going into 'complete remission', the former Manchester United youth player returned to training with the Dale in August.

And things got even better for Thompson when he was named as a substitute for the 1-1 draw against Walsall yesterday.

Exactly a year to the day that he was diagnosed with cancer, he played the final 18 minutes of the game at the Crown Oil Arena in a truly inspirational moment to close out 2017.

Joe's journey back into the game after his fight with cancer led to him receiving plenty of positive messages of support on social media:

An absolute inspiration in every sense. Congratulations, Joe.

Topics: League One, Cancer

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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