Hartson resumes cancer treatment

Hartson scored 89 goals during his five seasons with Celtic

Critically ill former footballer John Hartson has resumed radiotherapy treatment for cancer, say doctors.

The 34-year-old was told he had testicular cancer a week ago and doctors also found the disease had spread to his brain and lungs.

He underwent surgery on Tuesday to relieve pressure on his brain.

His family said they "continue to be overwhelmed by the many thousands of messages of support" for the former Wales, Arsenal and Celtic striker.

On Friday, he was transferred from Morriston Hospital in Swansea to the city's Singleton Hospital to receive radiotherapy to treat the disease.

But the father-of-three has since returned to Morriston's intensive care unit.

'Strength and comfort'

In a statement, his family said: "We want to acknowledge the outstanding care and skill that has been given to John by the medical and nursing staff at both Morriston and Singleton Hospitals.

"We also want to acknowledge the professionalism of the ambulance service.

"The family continues to ask for John's privacy and that of his family and the many hundreds of other patients at the hospital to be respected.

"We continue to be overwhelmed by the many thousands of messages of support and goodwill that continue to come in from football supporters, ordinary people, clubs, and sporting figures from around the world.

"We continue to take great strength and comfort from these messages."

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) University NHS Trust said earlier on Friday his condition remained critical but stable.

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, a consultant medical oncologist, said earlier this week that a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy would be started as soon as possible and that he could foresee many months of treatment.