Wales and Bournemouth defender David Brooks has been diagnosed with Stage 2 lymphoma. The attention to the cancerous area came when the Wales medical team identified an anomaly when Brooks participated for Wales in an international fixture during the last month. However, thankfully, David can still make a recovery and the condition is not critical yet.
This is a very difficult message for me to write. I have been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week. Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible. I'd like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period. I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness. I'd also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all of their support and assistance this past week. Although I appreciate that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming months and I will share updates on my progress when I am able to do so.
David Brooks