A FORMER Wrexham FC player has spoken of his battle with cancer.
Steve Fox, right, who made more than 130 appearances for the Reds, has been told by doctors that if left untreated he would only have six months left to live.
But speaking exclusively to the Leader the 54-year-old said he hoped to have a few more years if a new form of treatment proved successful.
Steve Fox, 54 and now living in Tamworth, Staffordshire, made more than 140 appearances as a winger for the Reds during the late 1970s and early 80s and went on to play for rivals Chester in the mid 80s.
The cancer has spread throughout Steve’s body including brain, heart, liver, lungs and the spine.
He is now embarking on major treatment which may prolong his life for a number of years.
But doctors have warned that if untreated, Steve would only have six months to live.
Steve is married to Helen and the couple sons Matthew, 31, and Daniel, 25.
Speaking to the Leader from his home, Steve said: “I have happy memories of playing for Wrexham.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better crowd and we had a very good set of players.
“I think this cancer may have been caused by stress.
“The doctors said I had six months to live if it went untreated.
“The medication I am starting now may give me a few years. We will have to see. I’m 54 and I have had a life.
“Helen had cancer six years ago, but she has been given the all-clear since then.”
Steve’s other son, Daniel, 25, said although the family have been devastated by the diagnosis, his father has shown tremendous courage.
“We are totally shocked. Up until just two months ago he was as fit as a fiddle, running a landscaping business and cycling regularly,” said Daniel.
“My dad is about to start taking a new drug which we hope will be able to slow the cancer down.”
Six weeks ago Steve suffered an infection of the brain. Doctors fought to control the condition and then it was discovered he had cancer.
Daniel said one of the ways in which his father draws strength is remembering his days as a footballer.
“Wrexham have been very good to us, they are sending items from my dad’s time and have offered for him to come and see a game.
“Dad would love to do that and we hope it will be possible for him to go to a match. He can only walk short distances and gets tired very quickly.
“Before this he was so active and not being able to do anything is getting him down sometimes.”
Wrexham FC secretary Geraint Parry said: “Steve was a highly talented player and we are very sad to hear this news. If we can help as a club then we will. All our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Former Wrexham team mate Dixie McNeil said: “It is terribly sad news. He was a very skilful player who was full of confidence and used to take on the opposition defence. The crowds used to love to see that.”
Steve Fox career facts
1975–1978 Birmingham City – 29 appearances
1978–1982 Wrexham – 142 appearances
1982–1984 Port Vale – 74 appearances
1984–1986 Chester City – 33 appearances