England’s Ex-Footballer Diagnosed With Rare Terminal Cancer, Placed On End-Of-Life Support

Former England and Bristol City striker Marvin Robert Brown, 43, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of terminal cancer.

Brown, who made history as the Robins’ youngest-ever player after debuting at the age of 16 in 1999, is suffering from cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile duct.

He is currently receiving end-of-life care at his home in Calne, Wiltshire.

The former footballer, who retired from the game in 2012, previously played for clubs including Cheltenham Town, Yeovil, Chippenham, and Weston-super-Mare, Daily Mail reports.

Brown had already endured several health challenges before his latest diagnosis, having suffered from ulcerative colitis and a rare liver disease known as sclerosing cholangitis.

He was also treated for colon cancer in 2022.

According to BBC Wiltshire, Brown was not eligible for life insurance. Following the confirmation of his terminal illness, a GoFundMe page was created to support his wife, Alexis, and their two daughters.

The fundraiser has already received over £45,000 in donations, with supporters also organising a charity football match to raise additional funds.

The event, scheduled for early November, will see a Marvin Brown XI take on a Bristol City XI at Bath City’s Twerton Park, with all proceeds going to his family.

Georgie Bowden, the organiser of the fundraiser, said the family are “completely heartbroken,” adding that the widespread support reflects Brown’s impact on and off the pitch.

“This year, he started to feel quite unwell and was very tired,” Bowden said. “In August, he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, which is very rare.”

Aside from his club career, Brown also represented England at youth level, featuring for both the under-16 and under-17 national teams.