Cancer patient Mark Saunders gives pre-match talk By Caroline Chapman BBC Sport please log in to view this image Bristol City dedicated Saturday's win over Gillingham to terminally ill fan Mark Saunders, who gave the players an emotional pre-match speech. Lifelong fan Saunders, 54, suffers from lung cancer and was invited to speak to the team before what could be his final visit to Ashton Gate. Goals from Sam Baldock and Simon Gillett earned City a 2-1 victory. "He spoke to them for over five minutes - you could hear a pin drop," Mark's brother Bill told BBC Sport. "Mark spoke to them about the fact he'd been a follower for 30 years and how they fought together as fans. "But he said the players hadn't been fighting together this season and hadn't been playing as a team. "He also said it was his dying wish to see them win three points. "At the end, the players all stood up and clapped. He was delighted - it was a wonderful day." please log in to view this image Saturday's win lifted Bristol City out of the League One relegation zone on goal difference and manager Steve Cotterill dedicated the victory to Mark, who lives in Bedminster and was diagnosed with the disease last April. "We were quite choked in the dressing room," Cotterill told the club website. "He wanted to have a little chat with the players as he didn't feel as though he was going to see next Friday out, which puts football into a bit of perspective. "He gave a little speech to the lads and it was more or less his dying wish that he wanted three points today, so what we want to do is dedicate that win today to Mark and his family. "It was tough to listen to him, it's quite emotional just thinking about it, but hopefully we've given him a good weekend." A City fan for over 30 years, Mark previously worked in the building trade and has three children with wife Wendy. Last week he became a grandfather for the second time. Apologies if this story has been posted already - it brought back memories of our greatly missed friend Natch
Just read about the terminally ill supporter who was welcomed to our dressing room prior to our last match and wondered if anyone on this site knows him. Our thoughts should be with him and his family and it brings in to focus what the real issues in life are all about.
Happy Birthday Mike, your spunky for 70. Life can really suck and most of us don't realise how lucky we are.
You are a plucky and brave guy Mark, you certainly demonstrated courage to our players, cheers to you..
Thanks for the birthday wishes guys. When you hear of situations like Mark's it makes you look at your life and appreciate everything it brings.
I know Divvy as he is known by most. Very warm and funny bloke. Spoke to him saturday in Bar BS3 even now still upbeat, Pub was rammed for most of day. There were also people over from Willem II, and Rovers lads in the pub.
It puts it into perspective that football is only game, but also sometimes it can help just a little bit.
Moving and thought provoking. Sometimes we learn our lessons too late. Perhaps this brave and honest bloke will help us realise where the truth lies earlier than he did. You might be interested in this: http://www.brfcforum.co.uk/index.php?/topic/113715-for-the-first-time-in-45-years-im-happy-city-won/
this article received a lot of respect from town's fans. we are both in the fertiliser, may the best team win. ps any chance you can stop sam from scoring. good luck city.
May Mark Saunders continue for the remainder of his life, to enjoy wins by City and the love and respect of everyone. He is faced with knowing more or less when it will end and I am moved by his bravery. My best wishes to Mark and his family.
Divvy is taller than Flint. Any chat with Gillett would have needed a ladder. Funny bloke Mark and will be missed.
On Radio Bristol this morning about 8.10am talking to Steve LeFevre together with Dave Jeal..............................................
