Heartbreak as dying LFC fan holds on just long enough to watch Reds lift UCL

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Lifelong Liverpool fan Joe “Bob” Bithell found out he had terminal testicular cancer just days before the Reds were to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final.

Despite this, the passionate supporter said that he would stay alive long enough to watch the Reds lift their sixth title – and he did exactly that.

When Bob realised the situation, he told doctors that he didn’t want to receive treatment as he felt the time and resources would be better spent on someone with a higher chance of recovering.

All he asked for was to go to death pain-free and with dignity. His sister, Pat, has recently spoken to the Liverpool Echo about her brother.

On May 30, Joe was diagnosed with very aggressive testicular cancer that had spread to lymph nodes and lungs,” she told the Echo.

The family were all told together and Joe was extremely brave. He told the doctor that he didn’t want treatment as the result would be the same.

He said he had been fortunate all his life not to have suffered any ill health, had a lovely life with his dear wife who sadly passed away six years ago.

Joe said he felt that the cost and time spent by medical staff on him would be far better put to good use on someone who had a chance of getting better.

Joe told the doctor: ‘One more thing doctor, make sure I’m still here for Saturday’s game, will you?’ – this was Joe’s sense of humour.

He joked and praised all members of staff constantly, he was a joy to be around and did not want to be a burden.

This is an incredible sad story, but it shows just how important Liverpool Football Club was to a very clearly well-loved man.

Bob had an iPad set up with the game on, and he got to watch his beloved Reds lift the Champions League trophy as he passed away overnight – four hours after the final whistle.

Empire of the Kop would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joe Bithell. YNWA.

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