A FORMER Colchester United football player who has been diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer has urged men to “admit when there’s something not quite right” - even if they are “fit and healthy” like him.

Darren Oxbrow, who played for Colchester United, Ipswich Town, and Maidstone United, found out he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in 2022.

Now working as a police officer for the Suffolk Youth Justice Service, he said it was “difficult” to explain to his colleagues why he was losing weight due to his cancer.

Darren, who first realised on holiday that he was "not himself", said: "Men need to admit when there's something not quite right.

"That's when you need to go and get that help."

Being fit and healthy all his life, Darren said he became “short of energy but couldn’t put a finger on it”.

He added: “I just didn't feel myself and, when you have lived in your body for 50 years, you know when something is different."

After numerous checks, Darren was referred to Ipswich Hospital’s Woolverstone Unit where he was diagnosed with the incurable cancer.

Darren and his wife Kate found out about the diagnosis only three days before Christmas with it being a “huge thing” to tell children Ellen, Will, Lucy and Jemima.

Gazette: Support - Darren Oxbrow said his family had been a huge support throughoutSupport - Darren Oxbrow said his family had been a huge support throughout (Image: Darren Oxbrow)

Darren added the “fighting spirit” from his football career helped him cope.

"I've always been a bit of a fighter and determined - and I think that that holds you in good stead,” he said.

"Attitude and positivity does make a big difference. I've tried to be as positive as possible all the way through this process."

Darren underwent chemotherapy from September 2023 to February 2024 and said he was making a "good recovery".

Gazette: Police - Darren Oxbrow was chosen to respresent Suffolk Police and the East region at a Remembrance Day service at Downing StreetPolice - Darren Oxbrow was chosen to respresent Suffolk Police and the East region at a Remembrance Day service at Downing Street (Image: Submitted)

Darren made 24 appearances Colchester United in the 1992-1993 season, scoring four goals, but was reported to have fallen out with legendary player-manager "Red Card Roy" McDonough.

Darren then signed for Barnet under famous manager Barry Fry before signing to non-league Kettering Town.

Darren ultimately chose to focus on policing, after juggling both policing and football for a while, and worked for nearly 25 years in the force, rising to sergeant.