Lung operation a success for John Hartson in his cancer battle

JOHN Hartson has endured another seven-hour operation in his battle against cancer.

He is doing well following a second operation on his lungs, his father has said.

The former Welsh international, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, came out of theatre yesterday, following the surgery.

His dad Cyril said he felt relieved that the procedure to remove lesions had been successful — and hoped it would be the beginning of a full recovery for his son.

He said: "The first operation to remove the lesions went very well. They were sent away for testing and shown to be inactive. The second operation was a success, but the lesions have to be sent away for tests first. We are all praying the lesions on the other lung are inactive, because it will mean that John will not have to go through any more chemotherapy."

The operation's success is the second bit of good news in less than a week for soccer ace Hartson. Last Friday, he became a dad for the fourth time after his wife gave birth to their second child, Stephanie Cari.

The 34-year-old former Arsenal and Celtic striker was said to be "over the moon" with his new bundle of joy, particularly in the wake of his cancer battle.

He was handed the shock diagnosis that he had only hours to live back in July last year — after doctors revealed his testicular cancer had spread to his brain.

The star had to be admitted to Morriston Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.

Hartson spent almost a month in a state of unconsciousness while his wife Sarah staged a bedside vigil, hoping he would make it through the ordeal to witness the birth of his child. But Big John refused to give up the fight.

And in December last year he had made such a strong recovery that doctors told him his cancer had been "virtually eradicated."

His dad Cyril added: "Hopefully, John can continue on the road to recovery."

Since being diagnosed with cancer, former Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr pupil Hartson has been doing all he can to raise awareness of testicular cancer — including setting up his own charity called The John Hartson Foundation.

He has also gone back to work as a pundit.

ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk

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