talkSPORT presenter Danny Kelly has announced he has been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus.
Kelly, 69, revealed the news at the end of his show on Wednesday afternoon with Charlie Baker.
He confirmed that he would be stepping back from broadcasting to undergo treatment over the next few months, adding that talkSPORT had allowed him to decide when he is able to broadcast in future.
‘Six weeks ago, I went to the doctor, hat on the side of my head, something going on with my eating. I thought it was probably acid reflux and he would give me a big bag of Gaviscon. Other tablets are available. Instead, it turns out that I have cancer,’ Kelly said.
‘To be specific, I have cancer of the oesophagus, a really dangerous thing. Now look, that’s the bad news.
‘The less bad news, because it isn’t really good news, is that after another long series of tests, after a very tense three or four weeks waiting for results, the medics say that the thing hasn’t spread inside my body and that they can and they will help me.
talkSPORT presenter Danny Kelly has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus
‘What I’m facing, to be truthful with you all again, is a tough and lengthy programme of treatment. There will be chemicals, there will be surgery, and there will be chemicals again.
‘It is a hard road, but one that the doctors are hopeful that will see me emerge recovered and healthy at the far end. Now, obviously, there will be times during this, whole stretches of time where I won’t be fit to broadcast.
‘But I want to say here that talkSPORT have been absolutely amazing about this, as I guess they would be, and they will let me decide when and if I’m okay to talk to you.
‘I want to do that and broadcast onwardly because I enjoy it, because I need to have something to look forward into the future, and because therefore, at a time when my physical health’s under attack, it will help my mental health.
‘I thank them for the opportunity they’ve given me to make up my mind about that.’
Kelly has been part of talkSPORT since 2007, joining the broadcaster permanently the following year.
In a famous moment, the ardent Tottenham fan was heard shouting in delight when they rescued a 4-4 draw with a last gasp equaliser in the North London derby against Arsenal in 2008, telling co-host Stan Collymore ‘I love football, Stan, I love it.’
Kelly currently hosts the Trans Europe Express show on talkSPORT, as well as appearing as a regular on Hawksbee & Jacobs.
Tottenham shared a message of support to Kelly, an avid fan, after he revealed his diagnosis
He also presents the Tottenham focused ‘View From The Lane’ podcast for The Athletic, while he previously edited NME and Q magazine.
Following Kelly revealing his diagnosis on-air, Tottenham joined well wishers by posting a message on social media, stating: ‘Sending you love and strength from all the Spurs family.’
Kelly had also given a message to listeners, particularly men, to urge them to get checked by doctors if they believe something is not right.
’99 per cent of the time, it will be nothing. But if it is something, the sooner it’s caught, the better the chance of getting it sorted out. Get yourself checked out,’ Kelly added.
‘So that’s it, my friends. You’ll be hearing me less and less regularly as I concentrate on letting the fabulous medical people do their stuff.
‘Meanwhile, your prayers, best wishes, positive vibes, whatever you can, will be gratefully accepted.
‘Thanks for listening to this, which I know hasn’t been easy, and for listening to me and Charlie today. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, and the genius of the doctors, we’ll do it all again real soon and long into the future.’
