Huddersfield Town fan Daryl Hopson was diagnosed with incurable cancer in August and has had huge support from the club and its fanbase.
Daryl, 31, who is from Marsden but now lives in Manchester, has supported Town since 1998 and has seen hundreds of matches home and away.
Sadly, he hasn’t been able to visit his beloved John Smith’s Stadium since the Terriers’ 2-0 win over Hull City back in October but he has kept in contact on social media by updating his Twitter followers on his fight against cancer.
Daryl, known as Daz, has received massive support from fans and he’s also had the morale-boosting backing of the Town squad which culminated in the players holding up a banner which read ‘Keep Fighting Daz’ following the Terriers’ 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
On receiving the news about his cancer Daryl said: “I went for an MRI scan in July as I was having trouble with my back. They found something wrong in my stomach. I then went through a lot of tests and found out in mid-August I had cancer which is incurable.
“At the moment I am going through chemotherapy to try and stop the cancer from spreading. It’s been tough but I’m just trying to get through it.
“I am receiving the very best treatment at the Christie Hospital in Manchester which is world renowned for treating cancer. It is the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe and the first UK centre to be accredited as a comprehensive cancer centre.”
On the support from both the Town faithful and players Daryl added: “I felt really emotional when I saw the banner, it was quite overwhelming how much great support I received. For the players to get involved it made it just so surreal, not many people receive that kind of support that I have.
“It shows how much people care about me which is very touching.
“Harry Toffolo has been in contact with me and been fantastic. It was him who went to get the banner which was very moving, he is a great guy.
“Tom Lees very kindly sent me his shirt and Michael Hefele sent me a lovely video.
“The supporters have certainly helped me through the toughest of times with the support they have shown me and I can’t thank them enough.
“I wasn’t surprised by the support I got from the Cowshed Loyal because I know a lot of the fans in there. I was taken aback by the support shown by the players and staff because it’s not every day you see what they have done.
“I have supported Town since 1998 and been to the majority of home games and also travelled all over the country watching us play. Unfortunately it isn’t easy for me to go to games at the moment with me getting treatment.”
Daryl wants to thank everyone for their support and offered some advice. He said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me from clinical staff to friends and family to supporters and players. I really appreciate it.
“I would tell anyone that if they are worried about something they think might be wrong to go get things checked out. These things can be life changing so go get seen by someone. If you can’t go see your GP go to A&E.”
Daryl had some positive news about his treatment this week and tweeted: “Hey guys. Basically some tumours have totally disappeared from my liver and the main tumours have shrunk between 30-50%.
“The doctor said that if the next cycles of chemo are effective then I may be considered for clinical trials (immunotherapy). Although chemo won’t cure the cancer, immunotherapy is that hope. Thank you so much guys!!! So happy at the moment.”
Everyone at Huddersfield Hub sends Daryl our best wishes.
