A TOP referee who is fighting cancer has received a message of support from Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson.

Premier League official Mark Halsey has also had phone calls from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex Bolton chief Sam Allardyce, now at Blackburn.

It is a big lift for the Halsey family, who live in Little Lever and run the Sottovento Italian restaurant in Worsley Road, Farnworth.

Last Monday, Mr Halsey, aged 48, had surgery to remove a tumour from his throat. Doctors did a test to see if the cancer had spread.

And on Saturday they received the results, which show Mr Halsey has primary cancer of the lymph nodes.

His wife, Michelle, who was herself diagnosed with leukaemia in January, said: “They are the results we were dreading, but we have to keep confident because it is treatable.

“At first we thought he would just have radiotherapy, but now we know he will need chemotherapy.

“We are going to The Christie Hospital in Manchester on Wednesday to find out how long it will last.”

She added: “The response we have had in the last week has been overwhelming. Gary Megson has been in touch to wish us well and so has Sam.

“We have also had players from lots of clubs and fans from all over the country and the world writing to us. To have that backing is a real lift for all the family.

“The most difficult thing is that our daughter Lucy Mia, has been asking about it. She is only three but is a bright little girl.

“We would never keep anything from her, so it is hard to know what to say.

“Mark’s biggest fear is not being able to see her grow up.”

Mr Halsey was born in Hertfordshire and became a Premier League referee a decade ago. He has officiated three times at Wembley.

His last match was between Everton and Arsenal on August 15 .

Mrs Halsey added: “The doctor told Mark that, if he feels up to it, he can train and referee again. It is what he loves and he is determined to get back.”