Former Wales rugby star discovers his cancer has spread to his head

Matthew J Watkins, who played for the Scarlets and Gloucester, said his friends and family have kept him going

When former Wales international Matthew J Watkins felt pain in his pelvis, he initially put it down to an old rugby injury.

But it transpired that it was actually being caused by a form of bone cancer which has since spread to his spine and head.

The 41-year-old is now working with specialists at the Velindre Hospital in Cardiff to understand what the next steps are for his treatment.

"Recently the radiotherapy has made me feel tired and I've had to rest a lot more than I'd like to which definitely impacts me mentally," he said.

"But I stay positive because I've lived with cancer for seven years now and my family and friends keep me going."

Former Scarlets and Gloucester centre Matthew, who lives in Blackwood, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 34.

Describing when he was first diagnosed with cancer, he said: "Initially I was shocked. I'd played rugby for so many years, I just thought the pain was a result of that."

In 2018, Matthew discovered the cancer had spread to his spine and he underwent pioneering treatment in London to target the disease.

He continues to have radiotherapy treatment on the affected areas of his body at Velindre, a hospital which he has helped to raise thousands of pounds for with two gruelling bike rides across the USA.

Unfortunately, last month the cancer, which grows along the bone, has now been discovered in his head between the brain and skull.

But rather than dwelling on it, Matthew is rallying everyone to support a campaign by Cancer Research UK for World Cancer Day by joining him in wearing a Unity Band.

The brightly-coloured wristbands are worn to show solidarity with other people diagnosed with cancer.

Newport born Matthew, who was capped 18 times by Wales, added: " I'm supporting World Cancer Day because it affects us all really whether it’s you or a family member or friend.

"When I was first diagnosed with cancer back in 2013 it was predicted that one in three people would get cancer in their lifetime and now it’s one in two. It's unbelievable really.

"When I go for my treatment, I'm always taken aback by the amount of people living with cancer who are going for treatment, getting on with their lives too.

"So, I want everyone in Wales to show their support on World Cancer Day and help Cancer Research UK to tackle this disease. Just by wearing a Unity Band we can all make a real difference to people with cancer."

The Unity Band is available in three different colours – pink, navy and blue. It can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome cancer or in support of those going through treatment.

Every day, around 53 people are diagnosed with the disease in Wales.

By making a donation for a Unity Band, people across Wales will be raising money for lifesaving research which will help give people more precious time with their loved ones.

Matthew, who is no stranger to fundraising challenges, added: " I've already achieved so much since my diagnosis including cycling from Boston to New York and San Francisco to Los Angeles for the Velindre. We’'e now raised over £250,000 and I’m really proud of that."

And the rugby community continue to show their support, added Matthew - who also played for Newport Gwent Dragons during his 14 year career.

"Once you've all played rugby together, you’re friends for life. When I meet with old team mates, it’s like we've never been away."

World Cancer Day is an international movement, uniting people around the world on February 4 to beat cancer.