Newcastle United fan who wears different Toon shirt to every cancer appointment chuffed at Carabao Cup win
by Nicole Goodwin, Sam Volpe · ChronicleLiveMeet the Newcastle United supporter who raised spirits during his cancer treatment by honouring his beloved team.
Gary Whitehead was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024, shortly after losing his wife to cancer. He had been experiencing no symptoms at the time but fortunately accepted an invite for a blood test, which flagged the need for further investigation.
And following an MRI scan and a biopsy, Gary was informed that he had prostate cancer. Now he's recovering well - and his recovery has coincided with his beloved Toon Army's first trophy win in half a century.
The avid Newcastle supporter was fortunate to have his prostate cancer treated in just five radiotherapy sessions instead of the standard 20-39 sessions, at GenesisCare in London. Whilst receiving his treatment he opted to participate in their complementary 12-week exercise medicine programme to support himself both physically and mentally.
To help keep his, his family and his clinical care teams spirits high, Gary has worn a different Newcastle United shirt to each of his exercise sessions. Gary owns an impressive collection of 27 Newcastle United football shirts and has enjoyed bringing humour and a sense of camaraderie to the occasion while also showing his unwavering support to the Toon Army.
Growing up, Gary's father had encouraged his sons to support Newcastle United as a cousin, Bobby Whitehead, used to play for them. As a family, Gary, his dad and two of his sons would go to every home game - driving the 652-mile round trip from his home in Farnborough to Newcastle.
The idea for the challenge came to life when Gary discovered a fellow supporter in Andrea, his GenesisCare consultant's medical secretary. Andrea's own connection to the club runs deep, as her father, Jozsef Nagy, played for Newcastle United in the past. Together, they decided that wearing a Newcastle United shirt to each session would be a fantastic way to stay positive and connected to the Toon Army during Gary's treatment.
Gary's radiotherapy finished in November 2024 but he's continuing his exercise sessions closer to home at the GenesisCare Centre in Surrey. Having never exercised before he's found he really enjoys it.
Gary added: "With my prostate cancer successfully treated, I want to get physically fitter and recognise Exercise Medicine is a way to do this plus I know it helps support better health outcomes.
"Just a few weeks into the 12-week programme I already feel less achy, I’ve lost some weight and feel like I’m taking control and doing something to help myself. Who knows I might take up football next!"
As for the Geordie success at Wembley, Gary reflected: "It's just been fantastic, hasn't it? It's such a great thing and so wanted - we had season tickets for something like seven years, and didn't see them win a thing. But now they've had the chance and they've taken it!
"My eldest son and my youngest son both went to Wembley, while I was watching with my 91-year-old mam."
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