talkSPORT host Danny Kelly reveals cancer diagnosis live on air

talkSPORT host Danny Kelly has announced he is suffering from throat cancer.

The 69-year-old revealed his diagnosis at the end of the talkSPORT show he was presenting alongside Charlie Baker on Wednesday afternoon.

Kelly, who also hosts Spurs podcast View from the Lane, confirmed he is taking a break from broadcasting while he undergoes a ‘tough and lengthy programme of treatment’ but is aiming to return.

‘We’ve still got a few minutes to go on the show and I want to tell you some personal news. To all the millions of you listening to me now, talkSPORT have encouraged me to do this because you’ll be wondering where I’ve gone otherwise,’ Kelly said.

‘I’ve worked here at talkSPORT for nearly 20 years, a bit more actually, but for the next few months you’ll be hearing a little bit less from me and a little bit less frequently.

‘I need to talk plainly to you all now because the majority of our listeners, better or worse, are men. And men are often very difficult people to talk about and talk to and talk with about medical issues.

‘So I don’t intend to mince my words here. I’m going to tell you that I am a sick man.

‘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.

‘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.

‘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. And I thank them for the opportunity they’ve given me to make up my mind about that.

‘Now, look, this isn’t just about me. I’ve learned something really incredibly important in the last few weeks. I think I knew it, but it’s been nailed home to me.

‘If you feel something just isn’t right in your body, I don’t mean you’ve got a hangnail or a bit of earwax or something, but if you know something is not quite right in your body, for God’s sake, go to the doctor. Get yourself checked out.

‘Ninety-nine 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.

‘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.

‘God bless you all. Cheers for now.’

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