Tributes Pour In for Former Rochdale AFC Star Joe Thompson After Tragic Death
The football community is in mourning after the sad loss of former Rochdale AFC player Joe Thompson, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 36 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joe, who had made over 200 appearances for Rochdale, died at home surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a devastated family, including his wife Chantelle and their two daughters, Thailula and Athena Rae.
Chantelle Thompson paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband, describing him as an "incredible" dad and a "brave" and "courageous" individual who fought against all odds to stay with his family for as long as possible. In a poignant Instagram post, Chantelle said that their daughters would now "carry his light and legacy on", ensuring that Joe's memory lives on.
Joe's football career spanned many years, during which he joined Manchester United's academy at just nine years old. He went on to have a successful stint with Rochdale AFC, earning a reputation as a dedicated and passionate player.
Tragically, Joe had faced two previous cancer diagnoses before being diagnosed with stage four lymphoma last April, which had spread to his lungs. Despite his valiant efforts to fight the disease, Joe's condition ultimately proved terminal.
The football community has rallied around Joe's family, with tributes pouring in from across the sport. Manchester United issued a personal tribute to "a great man", while Rochdale AFC announced that players would wear black armbands as a mark of respect during Friday's National League away match at Altrincham.
Before the match, both teams observed a minute's applause in Joe's memory, with Altrincham agreeing to the gesture as a sign of respect. Plans are also underway to honour Joe at Monday's league game against AFC Fylde at the Crown Oil Arena.
As the football community comes together to pay its respects to Joe Thompson, his family takes comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time on and off the pitch.
Joe, who had made over 200 appearances for Rochdale, died at home surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a devastated family, including his wife Chantelle and their two daughters, Thailula and Athena Rae.
Chantelle Thompson paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband, describing him as an "incredible" dad and a "brave" and "courageous" individual who fought against all odds to stay with his family for as long as possible. In a poignant Instagram post, Chantelle said that their daughters would now "carry his light and legacy on", ensuring that Joe's memory lives on.
Joe's football career spanned many years, during which he joined Manchester United's academy at just nine years old. He went on to have a successful stint with Rochdale AFC, earning a reputation as a dedicated and passionate player.
Tragically, Joe had faced two previous cancer diagnoses before being diagnosed with stage four lymphoma last April, which had spread to his lungs. Despite his valiant efforts to fight the disease, Joe's condition ultimately proved terminal.
The football community has rallied around Joe's family, with tributes pouring in from across the sport. Manchester United issued a personal tribute to "a great man", while Rochdale AFC announced that players would wear black armbands as a mark of respect during Friday's National League away match at Altrincham.
Before the match, both teams observed a minute's applause in Joe's memory, with Altrincham agreeing to the gesture as a sign of respect. Plans are also underway to honour Joe at Monday's league game against AFC Fylde at the Crown Oil Arena.
As the football community comes together to pay its respects to Joe Thompson, his family takes comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time on and off the pitch.
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