The Perth and Kinross community is deeply connected to its local personalities, and two prominent figures with strong ties to the area have recently opened up about their profound experiences with cancer. St Johnstone Football Club owner, Adam Webb, and Sky Sports News presenter, Jo Wilson, a proud Perth native and Saints supporter, have courageously shared their personal battles, shedding light on the immense challenges and the ultimate triumph over illness.
Adam Webb, who took the helm at McDiarmid Park in 2024, made the difficult decision to step back from his active leadership role just months into his tenure following a devastating diagnosis. In an open letter that resonated deeply with fans and the wider community, he revealed he was battling head and neck cancer. His candour sparked an outpouring of local support, highlighting the strong bonds within the Perth community.
Reflecting on his journey, Webb recounted the dramatic moment he received the news. A blood test, taken just hours after his first match as St Johnstone chief, indicated a 78% chance of him having head and neck cancer. This shadow of uncertainty loomed over him even during moments of professional excitement. He described the word ‘cancer’ as a ‘cloud’ that hung over him, a term everyone hears but few truly understand until it touches their lives directly. The moment he publicly disclosed his diagnosis and began treatment, the overwhelming response from individuals across Perth and beyond was a powerful reminder that cancer touches everyone, either directly or indirectly.
The intensive radiotherapy treatment took a severe toll on Webb’s body, reaching a point he described as his ‘darkest time’ when he required a feeding tube. This candid revelation underscores the physical and emotional endurance required during treatment. However, his story has a hopeful conclusion: he has since been given the all-clear. The relief and joy were immense, feeling as though a great weight had been lifted. His experience has reshaped his perspective, making him acutely aware of what truly matters in life.
Jo Wilson, a familiar face to many as a Sky Sports News host, also shared her deeply personal story in the same documentary. A former pupil of Perth High School, Wilson was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in 2022, shortly after welcoming her daughter, Mabel. The news was a devastating blow, prompting immediate fears for her life and the future with her young family. In a testament to her strength, she initially kept her diagnosis private, wanting to present a clear treatment plan to her mother and loved ones before revealing the full extent of her battle.
Wilson’s treatment regimen was rigorous, involving five weeks of daily radiotherapy, weekly chemotherapy sessions, and three days of brachytherapy. The ordeal, she explained, led to early menopause and infertility, profound personal consequences that she has openly discussed to raise awareness. Her most profound fear was the thought of her daughter growing up without a mother. Through sharing her story, Wilson hopes to empower others in the Perth and Kinross area and beyond to seek medical advice if they feel something isn’t right, believing that even one person acting on her message makes it all worthwhile. She stressed the importance of these conversations in ensuring no one feels alone during their cancer journey, and in showing that life continues, full of purpose and joy, after cancer.
The documentary also features other inspiring individuals from the sporting world who have faced cancer, including Bournemouth FC player David Brooks, former Nottingham Forest player Henri Lansbury (who overcame testicular cancer), and former Celtic player and manager Tony Mowbray. Mowbray’s story is particularly poignant, as he battled bowel cancer while managing Birmingham City and previously lost his first wife to breast cancer at a young age. These collective narratives underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the widespread impact of cancer.
These powerful testimonies from Adam Webb and Jo Wilson serve as a poignant reminder to the Perth and Kinross community about the importance of early detection, accessible support, and the incredible strength found in vulnerability. Their willingness to share their most challenging moments offers hope and encourages vital dialogue around cancer awareness, reinforcing the idea that even in the face of adversity, solidarity and a renewed appreciation for life can emerge.
Adam Webb, who took the helm at McDiarmid Park in 2024, made the difficult decision to step back from his active leadership role just months into his tenure following a devastating diagnosis. In an open letter that resonated deeply with fans and the wider community, he revealed he was battling head and neck cancer. His candour sparked an outpouring of local support, highlighting the strong bonds within the Perth community.
Reflecting on his journey, Webb recounted the dramatic moment he received the news. A blood test, taken just hours after his first match as St Johnstone chief, indicated a 78% chance of him having head and neck cancer. This shadow of uncertainty loomed over him even during moments of professional excitement. He described the word ‘cancer’ as a ‘cloud’ that hung over him, a term everyone hears but few truly understand until it touches their lives directly. The moment he publicly disclosed his diagnosis and began treatment, the overwhelming response from individuals across Perth and beyond was a powerful reminder that cancer touches everyone, either directly or indirectly.
The intensive radiotherapy treatment took a severe toll on Webb’s body, reaching a point he described as his ‘darkest time’ when he required a feeding tube. This candid revelation underscores the physical and emotional endurance required during treatment. However, his story has a hopeful conclusion: he has since been given the all-clear. The relief and joy were immense, feeling as though a great weight had been lifted. His experience has reshaped his perspective, making him acutely aware of what truly matters in life.
Jo Wilson, a familiar face to many as a Sky Sports News host, also shared her deeply personal story in the same documentary. A former pupil of Perth High School, Wilson was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in 2022, shortly after welcoming her daughter, Mabel. The news was a devastating blow, prompting immediate fears for her life and the future with her young family. In a testament to her strength, she initially kept her diagnosis private, wanting to present a clear treatment plan to her mother and loved ones before revealing the full extent of her battle.
Wilson’s treatment regimen was rigorous, involving five weeks of daily radiotherapy, weekly chemotherapy sessions, and three days of brachytherapy. The ordeal, she explained, led to early menopause and infertility, profound personal consequences that she has openly discussed to raise awareness. Her most profound fear was the thought of her daughter growing up without a mother. Through sharing her story, Wilson hopes to empower others in the Perth and Kinross area and beyond to seek medical advice if they feel something isn’t right, believing that even one person acting on her message makes it all worthwhile. She stressed the importance of these conversations in ensuring no one feels alone during their cancer journey, and in showing that life continues, full of purpose and joy, after cancer.
The documentary also features other inspiring individuals from the sporting world who have faced cancer, including Bournemouth FC player David Brooks, former Nottingham Forest player Henri Lansbury (who overcame testicular cancer), and former Celtic player and manager Tony Mowbray. Mowbray’s story is particularly poignant, as he battled bowel cancer while managing Birmingham City and previously lost his first wife to breast cancer at a young age. These collective narratives underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the widespread impact of cancer.
These powerful testimonies from Adam Webb and Jo Wilson serve as a poignant reminder to the Perth and Kinross community about the importance of early detection, accessible support, and the incredible strength found in vulnerability. Their willingness to share their most challenging moments offers hope and encourages vital dialogue around cancer awareness, reinforcing the idea that even in the face of adversity, solidarity and a renewed appreciation for life can emerge.