Ben Tozer, the stalwart defender of Wrexham, recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his father, Keith Tozer, and the poignant message he carries from this tragic experience. In an emotional interview, the club captain shared his journey from lifting the National League trophy to the profound realization that his father was facing an insidious enemy—leukemia.
Just two months ago, the jubilation of Wrexham’s title win was still fresh in the minds of fans and players alike. Keith Tozer, a dedicated father, had been there, cheering for his son from the stands. He made the arduous 500-mile journey from Plymouth to north Wales to witness Ben’s achievements on the football pitch. It was a moment of immense pride for both father and son as they celebrated victory together.
But amidst the euphoria, a cloud of concern hung over Ben. He noticed that his father would leave the games before he could even greet him, a subtle red flag waving in the background. Keith seemed unwell, but the details remained hidden, as if he was shielding his son from the impending truth.
It took a concerned friend, a worried brother, and a vigilant wife to express their doubts about Keith’s health. Yet, Keith assured them that he was getting checked. Tragically, the diagnosis came too late, and Keith succumbed to leukemia in July.
Ben described those days as a whirlwind, from training to rushing to his father’s side in Plymouth, only to arrive just before everything was switched off. The support from Wrexham’s manager, Phil Parkinson, and the team was instrumental during this trying time. Ben’s return to normalcy, however, was swift and somewhat unexpected. He embarked on a historic tour of the United States with Wrexham’s squad, all while dealing with his grief.
The enormity of his loss struck him during a match against Chelsea in North Carolina. As he warmed up, tears streamed down his face, realizing that his father would have been watching the game from home. The tour continued, and by the time they reached Philadelphia, Ben had seemingly regained his composure. However, returning home to face the stark reality was daunting.
The beginning of the football season, marked by the absence of his father, was particularly tough. Fathers are the ones who take their children to games, creating a bond that transcends generations. For Ben, the absence of his father in the stands was a poignant reminder of his loss.
Now, Ben Tozer, at 33, candidly acknowledges that he has yet to fully come to terms with his father’s death. However, he has chosen to use his platform to convey an essential message. He wants men, especially those who may be hesitant or dismissive about their health, to prioritize regular check-ups. His father, he believes, was scared to confront his illness, a sentiment not uncommon among men who might view seeking medical help as a sign of vulnerability.
As an athlete who has always been known for his resilience, Ben understands the impulse to tough it out. But he urges men not to ignore symptoms that could be indicative of serious health issues, like fatigue, unusual bruising, or unexplained weight loss. In the memory of his father, he emphasizes the importance of early detection and medical care.
Ben Tozer’s story is a poignant reminder that strength isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s also about the courage to confront one’s vulnerabilities and seek help when needed. His message is simple but profound: don’t wait until it’s too late, prioritize your health, and don’t be afraid to get checked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Healthcare Awareness
Q: Who is Ben Tozer and what is his story about?
A: Ben Tozer is the club captain of Wrexham and a professional football defender. His story revolves around the loss of his father, Keith Tozer, to leukemia. It highlights his journey from winning a football title to realizing his father’s illness and the importance of early healthcare awareness.
Q: How did Keith Tozer’s illness go unnoticed?
A: Despite Keith’s presence at Ben’s football games, he would leave early, raising concerns. Keith assured his family that he was getting checked for his health issues, but the diagnosis of leukemia came too late, resulting in his passing.
Q: How did Ben Tozer cope with his father’s passing?
A: Ben had a whirlwind experience, from training to rushing to his father’s side. The support from his football club and teammates was crucial. He also embarked on a tour to the United States. His emotions fluctuated, but he returned to normalcy surprisingly quickly.
Q: What message does Ben Tozer convey in his story?
A: Ben Tozer’s story emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health, especially for men who may hesitate to seek medical help. He encourages early check-ups and not ignoring symptoms like fatigue, unusual bruising, or weight loss, which can be indicative of serious health issues like leukemia.
More about Healthcare Awareness
- Ben Tozer: Wrexham defender makes cancer check plea after father’s death – The original source of the article featuring Ben Tozer’s story.
- Leukemia – Mayo Clinic – Information about leukemia, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection.
- Men’s Health – Healthline – A resource for men’s health topics, including the importance of regular check-ups.
- Wrexham Football Club – The official website of Wrexham Football Club, where Ben Tozer serves as club captain.
1 comment
gud on ben for spreading awareness, techies, let’s not ignore our health, #EarlyDetection