The father of Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has told how he kept his cancer diagnosis secret in order to avoid affecting his son's performances.
Brian Henderson found out in November 2013 that he had a tumour in his neck. But the 59-year-old decided against telling his son until after Christmas. He then told the England international, 24, not to worry, and to focus instead on putting in as many man-of-the-match performances as possible to help Liverpool's title challenge.
The retired police officer also discussed his illness with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who gave the midfielder time off as a result.
Henderson senior told the Sunderland Echo: "It was a very emotional time when I had to break the news to the family. I went to speak to Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool who was very understanding. He gave Jordan time off and the people at Liverpool were amazing.
"They were very understanding and gave him a lot of support. I said to Jordan that the best thing he could do for me when he got back to playing was try to get man of the match in every game. People didn't realise the pressure he was under. I was so proud of him."
The former Sunderland midfielder's father needed extensive treatment after he was found to have carcinoma of the throat and a tumour on his tongue. Henderson senior had surgery to remove lymph nodes in both sides of his neck and the tumour from his tongue, before starting a course of radiotherapy, during which he lost four stone.
He was still recovering from the treatment during the recent World Cup, which meant he was unable to travel to Brazil to watch his son play. However, he was able to speak to the midfielder every day during England's brief stay at the tournament, which ended with a group-stage exit.
"He was really looking forward to the tournament and was buzzing about it," Henderson senior said. "That helped me through, I knew it could change his life. "He was disappointed by the outcome but it was an experience for him."
Henderson senior will speak further about his experience at a conference for survivors of head and neck cancers at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Sept. 24.