A FOOTBALL legend has said his battle with a brain tumour will soon be over, but he has not given up.

Shaun Bailey, who played for Halstead Town Football Club and Colchester United, was diagnosed with the tumour in 2014.

Treatment was going well but the tumour returned last year, and Shaun, who moved to the US to be a football coach, has been fighting it ever since.

Devastatingly Shaun, 53, found out the treatment he was receiving for the tumour is no longer working.

He is unable to communicate properly and finds it difficult to move without help. He and his brother Mick, who has dropped everything to move to America for a week with Shaun, wanted to tell his family and friends back home the news.

He was originally given a year to live, but has managed to stay fighting for four years.

Shaun said the most important message was telling family and friends he is thinking about them.

He said: “I want everyone to know how much I love them, and I appreciate the support and help they have given, not just with the fundraising for my care but emotionally as well.

“Despite the medication the illness is progressing, there is nothing else anyone can do. It has been a significant decline.”

His brother Mick said now the family is focussing on keeping Shaun comfortable and happy. He will remain under the care of a hospice in America until the end.

Mick said: “Shaun’s wife and the rest of his family really appreciate everything, and we are grateful for the support everyone has given.

“I am now spending my last bit of quality time with my brother. If I could stay with him I would.”

Shaun, who is now living in a nursing home, played for Colchester United’s youth teams and around the amateur leagues of north Essex.

He played for Halstead Town FC between 1993 and 1996 and went on to become manager in 2000.

He won two Jewson Premier League titles and a Jewson League Cup during his spells with the club.

It is a difficult time for Shaun and his family and he said although he is grateful so many people care about him, the family would like to be left alone to spend his last days in peace with him.

Friend and family have continued to hold various fundraisers to help pay for Shaun’s care, and a Facebook page was set up to support him.