A former Blackburn Rovers footballer has spoken of his family’s heartbreak after his young son was diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Former left-back Tommy Spurr said a tumour was found on the kidney of his three-year-old son Rio in April, confirming that the disease had spread into his lungs.

In a statement shared by another former club, Preston North End, Spurr said the news was ‘breaking our hearts’ – but described how his little boy continued to smile and sing.

He said: “On 17th April, we found out that our beautiful Rio has cancer. We were transferred from Blackburn A&E in an ambulance to Royal Manchester’s Children’s Hospital where we quickly found ourselves on the oncology ward. Rio had X-rays, blood tests, an ultrasound scan, CT scan and MRI scan.

“Our consultant told us he had a large tumour on his kidney and that the cancer had spread to his lungs so was stage four.”

A biopsy of the tumour gave an official diagnosis of a rare type of kidney cancer called Wilms tumour – a condition that only around 80 children are diagnosed with in the UK each year.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Three-year-old Rio has been diagnosed with a rare cancer

Rio has been having chemotherapy since April and two weeks ago had a four-hour surgery to remove the main tumour and his right kidney.

Spurr went on to say that the pathology results of the tumour came back this week, confirming that ‘it was not the news we were hoping for’.

He said that the histology is unfavourable and high-risk, however the cancer is still treatable despite it meaning that Rio’s chemotherapy is going to be much more intense from now on.

Spurr said: “Devastatingly, it means his chances of surviving this have decreased. He started his new chemo today and has been an absolute superstar always.

“It is breaking our hearts. We are so proud of him! Beyond proud of him and Rudy who is a massive part of this too. They are both remarkable little boys! Rio has been through far too much already and a lot more to come but still he continues to smile and sing.

“Meeting Clo (his wife) and becoming Rio and Rudy’s daddy are the best things that have ever happened to me. I know I was put on this earth to be their Daddy. I love them all so much my heart could explode!!

“I will make sure that we get through this as safely, smoothly and as surrounded by love as possible. There has already been moments of joy along the way that we initially never thought possible.

“We are very grateful for everyone’s love and support. We are completely blown away by some people’s kindness. I promise nothing goes unnoticed!”

As a result of the news fundraisers have been organised to help the family out over the coming months, one of which has already raised over £5,000.

During his time with Blackburn Rovers, Spurr played 45 times in his debut season, scoring three goals.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Spurr during his time with Blackburn

He signed a new two-year deal during an injury-hit 2014/15 campaign, before playing 26 times in what proved to be his final season at Rovers in 2015/16.

After 84 appearances for Rovers he turned down the offer of a new deal to join Preston North End.

Following a spell at Fleetwood Town Spurr retired before moving into a career in teaching. He now works at Priestley College in Warrington, where colleagues are among those raising funds for the young family.

A statement on their GoFundMe page reads: “Tommy and Chloe have had to significantly reduce their working hours to manage caring for Rio and his younger brother Rudy around time spent at Royal Manchester children’s hospital where Rio is being treated.

“We felt the family might need additional support during this difficult time so that they can concentrate on looking after Rio and Rudy. So, we hope to raise at least £1,000 for the family through a sponsored climb of Snowdon and other sporting activities around the college.

“We will be climbing Snowdon on the 10th of July and organising some additional fund-raising events at college. We would greatly appreciate your help by donating to our cause.

“Some of the money raised will go towards supporting the Spurr family during this unimaginable time and some will be donated to a cancer charity of their choice.

“Tommy and Chloe are also busy organising a special charity bike ride challenge with a football theme! Information on this to follow!

“Thank you in advance for your generosity.”

You can donate here.