Young cancer fighter Rio Spurr declared tumour-free after year of chemo and fundraising

Rio Spurr, the son of ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers player Tommy, is currently showing no signs of a rare form of cancer, his proud dad said.

Rio was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour on April 17 2022 and has since undergone chemotherapy to battle the disease.

Supporters across the country have raised money for Tommy and his family, including ex-Millers goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell who has raised over £8,000 for them to date.

Members of Rotherham United Community Sports Trust recently took on a 24-hour walking challenge across football stadiums in South Yorkshire alongside former Doncaster Rovers striker Chris Brown, who works with Darfield cricketer Jon Parkin on the podcast Undr the Cosh.

An emotional Tommy said a consultant at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital had given the family the news.

“Rio’s scans showed no evidence of Wilms’ tumour,” he said.

“The remaining tumours on Rio’s lungs have gone and they can’t see any cancer anywhere else in his body.

“It is the best possible news we could have hoped for.

“It hasn’t really sunk in for us yet, but we wanted to share it with all of you who we know are so emotionally involved and invested in Rio’s story.

“The next step for us is to be given a surgery date to have Rio’s hickman line removed under general anaesthetic.

“After this, we are desperate to go on a family holiday and to process everything we have been through.

“But most importantly, we want to enjoy seeing Rio and Rudy being little boys and doing all the normal things they have missed out on.

“Rio has shown character, strength and spirit over the last twelve months.

“He has been a true champion.”

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Tommy said he would savour every moment following the news despite holding reservations about a relapse.

“This news is a massive milestone for Rio,” he added.

“Today could have gone one of two ways.

“We aren’t so naive to think that this is fully behind us just yet.

“With Rio’s anaplastic diagnosis carrying such a high chance of relapse, there is a long way to go.

“But for now, we deserve to enjoy this moment fully.

“We plan on making the most of every single second.”