WE often speak about the power of sport, the strong camaraderie that exists within it, how good it is at creating role models for young girls and how it can keep you fit and healthy, both mentally and physically.
Its importance was brought home by the announcement from footballer Jen Beattie, 29, who plays for Arsenal and is also a pivotal member of the Scotland women’s national squad, that she has breast cancer. An interview talking about her diagnosis and how it had affected her was an emotional watch.
Jen was diagnosed in October at an especially difficult time for anyone to have to go through this, with the coronavirus restrictions making it a particularly lonely and isolating experience. Add to this is the fact Jen was separated from her parents, who live in Glasgow.
Yet this is an uplifting story and one that will give so many people hope and at the same time raise awareness to all young women, that cancer, to a certain extent, does not respect your age or your lifestyle.
Jen was smart enough to self-check herself regularly, and through that had an early diagnosis. She has continued to play the sport that she loves and will take it day by day.
However, the remarkable thing about this story is the love and support she has had from her team-mates and the wider football community. On the first game played after the diagnosis had been made public, in a show of solidarity, both Jen’s Arsenal team-mates and their opponents Manchester City, publicly recognised her bravery before their Women’s Super League clash wearing tops emblazoned with her name and squad number for their warm-up
Jen may have a long road to travel but with family and friends who bridge all divides on and off the football pitch coming together, the power of sport shines through and the difference it can make to that one person who needs a lift at that time, is immense. Good luck to Jen on this journey, she is an inspiration to us all.
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