Bristol Rovers squad shave their heads after teammate Nick Anderton was diagnosed with cancer

Bristol Rovers' entire squad have shaved off their hair to raise funds for teammate Nick Anderton.

Anderton was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – an aggressive form of bone cancer – in July, just weeks after the club's promotion-winning match against Scunthorpe.

Two months later, the 26-year-old defender confirmed he had undergone a successful operation to remove a tumour on his femur bone.

But in December, it was confirmed that Anderton would be undergoing 'several months' of chemotherapy after a biopsy revealed the tumour on his leg was found to be more aggressive than first thought.

Thank you for the messages of support from every single person, the strength they’ve given my family can’t be described. It’s been one hell of a year to say the least. Staying positive and taking each day as it comes💪 got to try and keep the mind healthy🧠 pic.twitter.com/15exNClpNT

— Nick Anderton (@nickanderton_) December 21, 2022

The support since Anderton was diagnosed with osteosarcoma has been, in his own words, "incredible" – and on Monday, he was "lost for words" after his teammates decided to shave their heads in solidarity.

Rovers' players and their manager Joey Barton have gone bald to raise funds for their teammate.

Andy Downie, the club's head of media, created the fundraiser and it's gone through the roof with donations from not only all the Gasheads out there, but from everyone across the footballing community.

"It will keep the wolves from the door and allow him to focus on his recovery," Barton said. "He's got a new baby in the house as well, so it's the minimum we can do and we're thankful to everybody who has donated or shared and raised awareness.

"Every pound, every penny will make a difference in terms of helping Nick with his recovery."

"We're all with you, Nick" 🔵⚪️@Official_BRFC have done this for their defender & friend @nickanderton - who has was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. pic.twitter.com/YwCSjZL5Pm

— BBC Radio Bristol (@BBCRB) January 16, 2023

Damien Broad, who is the head of coaching at Bristol Rovers' academy, says the support for Nick has been "amazing" and the money raised shows the incredible backing towards their friend.

"As soon as the club announced they were doing this head shave, the reaction and solidarity from the fans to do the same just optimised the fantastic spirit and togetherness there is at the club," Broad told SPORTbible.

"Andy Downie our head of media created a fundraiser and its gone through the roof with donations from not only all the Gasheads out there, but from all across the footballing community."

Rovers captain Paul Coutts said that the support of the community has been incredible. "Honestly I can't believe it has got as much as it did," he said.

"It is a story that has really affected everyone. Nick is doing alright. It is really tough times. He has got a little girl and just welcomed a little girl but he is meeting it head on.

"We wanted to raise awareness for him and then the support that has come in for him has been amazing. It is great to see everyone come together for a good cause."