Reading FC goalkeeper Joe Lumley has shaved his head in solidarity for his best friend who is undergoing chemotherapy.
Nick Anderton, who plays at Bristol Rovers, was diagnosed with bone cancer and is currently receiving treatment.
The entire team and staff at his club have shaved their heads, and his best friend Lumley has also chosen to do the same.
“Nick got diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer a few months back and had to have a major operation on his knee and is currently going through chemotherapy.
“The Bristol Rovers lads have made a gofundme page and have shaved their hair off in support of him to help him and his family out.
“I’m godfather to his little daughter Grace.
“He’s positive and keeps me ticking over with how positive he is.
“It puts everything into perspective, you don’t know what’s around the corner.
“He has helped me a lot. I’ve known him since I was 16 and have lived with him when I’ve been on loan at clubs.
“It keeps me motivated to do the best I can because you never know what is round the corner.”
Lumley has been in superb form for the Royals this season since arriving in the summer on loan from Middlesbrough.
He continued: “We’re thinking about Stoke at the weekend and not any game after that. We go there and will do our best to get the win.
“It’s a team game. I’m there to save goals and prevent them going in when the team haven’t stopped it.
“We are there to keep the team in the game.
“First and foremost we want to stay in this league and I feel like we are on track to do so.
“Then we will look ahead to see where we can go.”
