As reported before Christmas, League Management Committee member and Newcastle Town "legend" John Cotton (pictured right) is undergoing treatment for cancer.
In the first of what are likely to be regular reports, Cotto has reported in his own particular style how the treatment has affected him so far.
John said: "Day one of the treatment went not too bad. The intravenous drip only became painful in the last 15 minutes and it makes your veins sore.
"The worst bit was when I went the bog and opened the door touching a cold steel handle. It was like I had an electric shock. It's a fantastic new cancer centre, I just wish they had put wooden handles on instead. I now have to be careful of touching or drinking anything cold - so I'm not going to get much sex at home then.
"I've started the tablets now, and I've more tablets than Boots. The first course knocks out your immune system, so that hit me like a ton of bricks. It's hard when you are used to being out and about to have to stay at home, and I've been told I need to stay away from people to avoid picking up infections. So if I do get out and about, I need to be on my own for a week or two yet.
"I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has been in touch to offer their good wishes and support. I've had a number of former Town managers and players ringing up, and I received a lovely letter from Eddie at Atherton LR, who everyone around the league will know as the man with the rattle.
"I always have a bit of banter with him, and my grandson Mitchell was fascinated when he saw Eddie's rattle for the first time at a game a few years back. He dropped me a line to offer his support after he saw the first article on the league website, which was really good of him.
"Even when I turned up at the hospital for treatment, one of the nurses saw and said she knew me from somewhere, and it turned out she was the wife of a lad who played for me years ago.
"The calls and e-mails I've had have been very much appreciated and they have helped to keep my spirits up. I'll to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to get in touch with me. I'm not going to let this beat me, and at the moment the consultants are saying that they are hoping I'll be fit for pre-season - if that's true it'll be the first time in 35 years.
"My target at the moment is to maybe get down to Town's home game against Padiham a week on Saturday, and take in at least part of the game. (Wait till he sees how much he owes behind the bar for his rounds.)
"So it's so far so good, and in the meantime, if anyone wants to keep in touch with me by phone or e-mail, I'd be delighted to hear from them".
