MIDDLESBROUGH icon John Hickton has said a massive ‘thank you’ to the many Boro supporters that turned out to see him in a special ‘Evening with ….’ event at Eston Labour Club last week.

Big John was given a huge welcome just a few days after celebrating his 75th birthday at his home in Chesterfield.

He said: “It was very special to see so many people turn out to see me, and great to be feeling so good after the trauma of my cancer scare earlier this year.’’

The prolific goalscoring centre forward was forced to postpone a local function in the town organized by BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough at the North Ormesby Workmen’s club in the spring.

It was revealed then that that John was undergoing treatment for a cancer of his face – for which he has now been given the all clear.

He added: “It was more than likely caused via the sun on my travels through the years and was mainly on my nose. It took several operations and hospital visits - but thankfully all is well now.’’

Promoter Goffy said: “It was a real thrill to bring John back to town – he promised me during the dark days of the cancer that he would come back and remember his 12 great years at the club.

“He told us how been heartbroken he was when his time ended and his contract was not renewed by the club. It was the first time he had gone on stage to tell his story since he headed out of Teesside 40 plus years ago and he was hugely emotional recalling what he described as ‘the greatest time of his life at Ayresome Park’.’’

John’s daughter Joanne and son Jonathan accompanied him to spend the weekend on Teesside to continue his 75th birthday celebrations. Former teammates and long-time friends Jim Platt and David Armstrong also joined him on stage to be interviewed by Goffy to reflect on his games, goals and interesting penalties for the club.

Hickton added: “It was a brilliant night – even though it was many years since I last held a microphone to talk about my life.

“The fans gave me an incredible welcome, wanted my photo and brought in loads of old pictures and football programmes for me to sign.

“You kind of think people would likely forget about you – but with such numbers being present it was clearly obvious that it was not the case.

“It took a long time to get through – two hours 45 minutes- but I think we touched on just about everything. Those fans have been truly brilliant to me and my family and I can’t thank them enough for making the even so very special – it was a real highlight of my birthday week.’’

Hickton attended Boro’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the Riverside on Saturday and said: “My favorite team were beaten 4-1 and we were all devastated.

“My son and daughter were born on Teesside and we still follow the Boro with a big passion. They are our team and we shared the disappointment re the result on Saturday as we headed back to Chesterfield.

“I sincerely wish Jonathan Woodgate all the very best to get out of this difficult period – we want to see the team back in the top-flight asap.’’