As some people may already be aware from social media, Cumberland FA Referee Development Officer, Scott Taylor, was diagnosed at the start of May as having a rare form of pancreatic cancer, which would require surgery.

Whilst this was obviously a huge shock to all, the positive was that the tumour had been caught early and an action plan was put in place for a partial pancreatectomy to occur as soon as possible.

Late last week Scott was informed that there was a cancellation, and subsequently early this week he underwent surgery at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

From communication with Scott, it appears that the operation went well.

He will remain in hospital for around 7 days and will then hopefully be able to return home to focus on his recovery, which could be up to 2 months - although he is already targeting the National FA Referee Awards in June.

Given this, if you require any support in the immediate future and until further notice, then please email RefSupport@Cumberlandfa.com. 

Alternatively feel free to contact CFA Chief Executive Ben Snowdon or CFA Chair Adam Pattison.

CEO, Ben Snowdon, stated: "I am sure that the grassroots football family in Cumberland will all wish to join me  in wishing Scott a speedy recovery, and in letting him know that we are on his line, as part of the officiating team, as he looks to show cancer the red card."