Clubs unite to help player's wife after cancer diagnosis

Two Lancashire football clubs have put aside rivalries to raise awareness of breast cancer after a player's wife was diagnosed with the illness.

Chorley striker Jack Sampson, who previously played for Southport, said his wife Hannah's condition had led to "unexpected challenges".

Both clubs held fundraising events as they faced each other on Saturday.

Former Boyzone member Shane Lynch welcomed Chorley youth players after a fundraising walk to their ground.

The singer, who is in talks about promoting and investing in the sixth-tier club, told BBC North West Tonight "it was always fantastic" to see their community efforts.

One of the youth player's mothers, Jill Warren, added: "A lot of my friends obviously have been affected by breast cancer so hopefully [this will raise] the awareness of checking and testing and being there for people."

Hannah Sampson, who is 30, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2023.

The NHS says the condition can be challenging to treat and has a shorter survival time than most other breast cancers.

In an online post, Jack Sampson wrote: "As we prepare for the upcoming treatments and the inevitable time away from work, the financial strain has become an additional worry for us.

"Hannah also anticipates the emotional toll of losing her hair during chemotherapy, prompting the need for a wig to help her maintain a sense of normality."

He led Chorley out as captain at their Victory Park ground, before scoring in their 3-0 victory over Southport.

Both clubs and other footballers are helping to raise funds to support the couple and breast cancer charities.

Fans wore pink at Saturday's game while football shirts worn by Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy and Jermain Defoe are among items being auctioned.

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