JOE THOMPSON’S tearful widow paid tribute to “my soulmate, my everything” at the ex-Manchester United starlet’s funeral.
The Bath-born midfielder tragically died last month aged 36 following his third battle with cancer.
Thompson, who retired from football in 2019 after spells at Rochdale, Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United, was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in April 2024.
And fans were left in mourning when he passed away in April, with former side United leading the tributes.
On Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life in a touching ceremony at St Mark’s Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester.
Former United players in the form of Dion Dublin and Danny Simpson were present at the service.
While pals including Scott Sinclar and Wes Brown also attended.
Thompson leaves behind wife Chantelle, daughter Lula, 10, and youngest child Athena Rae, 3.
And in a tearful moment, his partner paid tribute to her “soulmate.”
As reported by the BBC, Chantelle said: “He was my soulmate, my rock, and my everything.
“I don’t know who I am without him.”
Brother Reuben noted: “What a day. I knew it would be an amazing turnout.”
Joe Thompson’s career stats
Those numbers in full:
- Rochdale, 2005-2012: 157 games, 17 goals
- Tranmere Rovers, 2012-2014: 32 games, 4 goals
- Rochdale (loan), 2012-2013: 7 games, 0 goals
- Bury, 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals
- Wrexham (loan), 2014-2015: 1 game, 0 goals
- Southport (loan), 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals
- Carlisle United, 2015-2016: 17 games, 1 goal
- Rochdale, 2016-2019: 39 games, 4 goals
Pastor Sam Chanda added: “He will be missed by so many people, but mainly by Chantelle and his two beautiful daughters.
“Joe was known for his incredible kindness, not only by his loved ones but also by strangers.”
Hundreds of fans also attended the funeral, with many donating to charities in honour of Thompson.
Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge was present too and said: “He had a real zest for life.
“Everyone at Rochdale is incredibly sad. He was a wonderful man.”
Following Thompson’s death last month, Manchester United led the way with tributes.
A statement read: “A man who epitomised our club’s values. We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
“A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Thompson, who came through the ranks at United before leaving in 2005 without making a senior appearance, enjoyed two spells at Rochdale – playing 196 times in total.
Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.
After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.
Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.
However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later.
Bravely facing the disease, Thompson summoned up the will to fight it off, managing to return to action just nine months after playing his previous match.
What is Hodgkin lymphoma?
HODGKIN lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
It is not common, with around 2,100 people diagnosed every year in the UK.
Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75. Slightly more men than women are affected.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients per year. It is more common as you get older, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 75.
In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands).
The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making a person more vulnerable to infection.
Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes.
This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin.
The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches.
Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include:
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- A high temperature (fever)
- A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness
- Persistent itching of the skin all over the body
Source: Cancer Research UK and the NHS.
He made his way further into the Rochdale history books after he scored a crucial goal after coming on as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season.
It was his finish that helped secure a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale would be promoted to League One.
The star made one more appearance for the club before his retirement in 2019.
After leaving the beautiful game, Thompson moved into the world of public speaking.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained how the “aggressive” lymphoma was already at stage four.
It had also spread to his lungs, making it difficult to breathe and sleep.
And although it “hurt” him to get another diagnosis, Thompson had vowed to battle against it and win again.
He said: “It’s far from ideal and it’s come back quite aggressive, so stage four.
“The only positive is it is the same cancer as what I’ve had previously, but the issue for me this time is it’s gone on to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult and even talking sometimes can be quite hard.
“You’ve only got a certain amount of time on this earth. I always think you want to make the biggest impact you can possibly do on so many lives as possible.
“That’s where I’m at so I’ve got to lead from the front. I’m going to need cavalry and I’m ready for them to rise up and we’ll just get through it again, and then we look at the future.”
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