AN 18-YEAR-OLD Torquay footballer has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The women’s team of the Devon club posted the sad news about young player of the season Roxy Thomas on Instagram on Friday.
Torquay United Women’s star Roxy Thomas, left, was diagnosed with a brain tumour Credit: Shutterstock
The men’s team held up her shirt in a show of support on Saturday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Torquay confirmed Thomas – who joined the club a year ago after progressing at Plymouth to make her first-team debut aged 16 – has had two surgeries this week.
And they shared a classy message to show their support for the left-back, a key member of Ryan Perks’ side that went unbeaten to win the South West Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division title and earn promotion back to the FA Women’s National League.
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Torquay United Women also won the Devon Women’s Premier Cup and League Cup in an emphatic treble.
They shared a photo of Thomas in action and said: “Everyone at Torquay United is sending their love and support to Women’s Team player Roxy Thomas and her family following her diagnosis with a brain tumour.
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“Roxy, 18, has undergone two operations over the past few days as she begins her treatment, and everyone associated with the Club is thinking of her during what is an incredibly difficult time for Roxy and those closest to her.
“Her teammates have been rallying around Roxy and her family since receiving the news, while the Club will provide whatever support it can during the weeks and months ahead.
“The Club will also be supporting a JustGiving appeal to help Roxy and her family with the costs associated with her treatment and care.
“Further details, including how members of the Yellow Army can contribute, will be shared in due course.
Thomas joined Torquay last year after success with Plymouth Credit: Shutterstock
The left-back was a key part of the treble-winning side in 2025-26 Credit: Shutterstock
“We know the Torquay United community will want to show Roxy just how much support there is for her.
“For now, everyone at Plainmoor sends Roxy and her family our love, strength and very best wishes.
“We’re all with you, Roxy.”
Torquay players held up her No3 shirt at Saturday’s National League South match against Horsham in a sign of support.
And plenty of Torquay fans and followers flooded the comments section of the post with best wishes to Thomas.
One said: “Thinking of you, Roxy.”
Another wrote: “Best wishes to Roxy, hell of a player knows how to win a battle.”
A third typed: “Sending our best wishes to Roxy and her family.”
And a final user replied: “You got this Roxy.”
And Torquay United Women Chairman Rob Hawes added: “Roxy is a very special young woman and has made a huge impression on everyone at the Club in such a short space of time.
“The news has understandably affected everyone connected with the women’s team deeply.
“Our focus now is simply on supporting Roxy and her family in whatever way we can.
“They should know that they are not facing this alone.
“Roxy is one of our own and the entire Torquay United family – players, staff and supporters – is right behind her.”
