“We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality,” Rochdale’s statement said. “He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.” Joe was first diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma, a blood cancer, at age 24 in 2013. He was cancer-free until 2017. After relapsing again in April 2024, he shared that the chemotherapy treatments were no longer working. The couple decided to spend time with one another amid his diagnosis with Chantelle writing in January, “We walked away from conventional cancer treatment, stripped back the holistic supplements and chose to embark on a true healing journey.”