Help Simon Ramsden reach his target of £3,000, as the former defender will begin his emotional fundraiser for Joe Thompson’s family.
Ramsden will be training for 37 consecutive hours later this month in a bid to raise money for Thompson’s family following his passing.
Thompson, Ramsden’s best friend and former teammate, passed away in April following a third cancer diagnosis at the age of 36. He is survived by his wife and two children.
You can donate to Ramsden’s Just Giving page by clicking here.
You can read Joe Thompson’s full story below.
Thompson had a turbulent upbringing but managed to attract interest from Manchester United as a youngster. Not quite making the grade, he moved to his local side, Rochdale, where he became a first-team regular. After spending six years there, he moved to Tranmere, and it was here that he was diagnosed with cancer for the first time.
Confirmed with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of just 23, Thompson began treatment and entered remission in 2014 before returning to professional football.
After fulfilling his promise of returning to football, Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for a second time just three years after his initial diagnosis. He required life-threatening stem cell treatment, and it was expected that his football career would come to a premature end.
Showing remarkable character and bravery, not only did he come through the treatment, but he also returned to professional football once again in 2017. Playing a pivotal role for Rochdale upon his return, he called time on his footballing career on his own terms in 2019.
He was awarded the Sir Tom Finney award, an accolade given to those who contribute vastly to the EFL.
Moving into motivational speaking and working with his former club Manchester United, Thompson began to help academy players in the next steps of their careers and lives, using his immense story as motivation.
Unfortunately, Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in April 2024. Despite having stage four lymphoma which had spread to his lungs, he continued to raise money for cancer treatment and research after this diagnosis, a mark of the man.
Thompson died on 17 April 2025, at the age of 36.
Now, his former teammate and best friend, Simon Ramsden, will embark on 37 hours of back-to-back classes on Friday 27 June to try and raise funds for his family.
“Joe’s story touched so many people,” Simon Ramsden said.
“He was an incredible man who showed immense courage and bravery throughout all his battles. I miss him so much but feel so fortunate to be able to call him my friend.
“I’m asking for any donation, big or small, that can help Joe’s family. They deserve this so much, and hopefully we can raise enough money to make a positive impact.
“Thank you to everyone who is willing to donate towards this cause. It’s truly appreciated.”
