Terminally ill Leicester fan says he is being kept alive by Foxes heroics

A terminally ill Leicester fan says he is being kept alive by the Foxes heroics.

Tony Skeffington was told last March that he only had four weeks left to live after being diagnosed with appendiceal cancer – but like his team he has defied all expectations.

The 51-year-old was born and raised in Adelaide, Australia, but has followed the team from afar his whole life.

He was given a boost after receiving a horde of club merchandise signed by the club’s players whilst on his hospital bed.

Tony had hoped to fly to the UK to see his heroes play one time before he dies, but had to abandon those plans after the cancer took an increasing toll on his body.

But that’s not all.

Tony revealed he is also part of the growing ‘Leicester-fan-cashing-out-early’ club.

He said he and his wife, Donna, earned $35,000 by cashing out on a 3,000-1 $20 bet, and it was all due to an error from his wife.

“It’s a hell of a lot of money, but it’s only that amount because Donna pressed the wrong button – it was meant to be a 2 dollar bet.

“But I am remaining as positive as I can and I am hoping to stay around long enough to see Leicester win the title.

“I am more concerned about the team winning than the money.

“My situation is grim now. If the latest chemo they are going to try doesn’t work, I may only have a matter of weeks.”

Claudio Ranieri’s men lie five points clear at the top of the Premier League after sealing a slender 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

“Watching Leicester come back from their relegation fight last season and seeing how well they’re doing this season is helping me fight this,” he said. “When I was given four weeks to live last year they picked themselves up – and I picked myself up.

“Having something positive to concentrate on makes you feel good. I’m still confident I will see the season out.

“If we win it and I’m still alive, call me and we’ll have a chat.”

Donna added: “Leicester City is keeping him alive.”

We’re sure most of you are already behind Leicester’s title bid – but stories like this will surely make you cheer that little bit louder for them from now on.