St Johnstone fan fighting cancer thanks captain Liam Gordon from the bottom of his heart for special video message

A Perth cancer fighter has thanked St Johnstone skipper Liam Gordon from the bottom of his heart after receiving a special video message.

Big Saints fan Phil Heller was diagnosed with oral cancer at the start of the year and has started undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The 71-year-old, who has supported the Fair City club ever since moving north in 1982, is tackling his diagnosis with determination, openness and positivity.

He was overjoyed to receive the kind-hearted gesture from the caring Saints captain. It provided a “massive” boost.

Part of the message read: “I want you to keep fighting hard, keep doing your thing and the smile on your face.

“Hopefully we will see you at McDiarmid Park soon and, when we do, we’ll get a blether. All the best from myself and all of the players.”

Phil reacted: “The video from Liam Gordon was totally unexpected. It gave me a massive boost that he and the club had taken the time to do it.

“I would like to thank Liam from the bottom of my heart. There is no way he can realise how massive a boost he gave me.

“Saints have never been the best at singing their own praises but this is typical of what they do behind the scenes, especially since they employed Bev (Mayer) as Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO).”

Explaining his affection for the club, Phil added: “I have supported Saints since moving to Perth in 1982 and had a flat overlooking Muirton Park for a few months.

“I have so many great memories of travelling all over the country with Saints but the best has to be the first Scottish Cup win. My only sorrow is that circumstances conspired against me so that I’ve never managed to see Saints play abroad.

“Saints in the Community have been lifesavers over the years with things like the FFIT