**Snooker World Mourns the Loss of Willie Thorne After Shock Leukaemia Diagnosis**
The world of snooker was left reeling in 2020 by the tragic loss of Willie Thorne, one of its most recognisable and affable figures, whose distinguished professional career, colourful persona, and warm commentary had made him a household name for decades. Thorne, who died aged 66, had entered hospital in Spain expecting treatment for what he believed to be a kidney infection. Instead, he was delivered the crushing news that his cancer had returned in the form of leukaemia.
Willie Thorne was born in Leicester and rapidly made his mark on the sport, turning professional in 1975. Over the subsequent years, Thorne carved out a reputation as both a formidable competitor at the table and a vibrant personality off it. Among his career highlights was winning The Classic tournament in 1985, as well as reaching the final of the UK Championship that same year, though he was narrowly denied the title by the legendary Steve Davis.
A brief stint as world number seven further cemented Thorne’s status in snooker, and after retiring in 2001, he transitioned seamlessly into the commentary box. There, his insightful analysis and dry wit won him legions of new admirers. Thorne’s impact extended well beyond the sport; his close friendship with football icon Gary Lineker, and his appearance on series five of *Strictly Come Dancing*, demonstrated his broader appeal.
Behind the buoyant public persona, however, lay a series of private health challenges. In 2015, a routine blood test resulted in a diagnosis of prostate cancer, prompting a tough regime of medical treatment. Nonetheless, Thorne remained engaged with the public, most recently as an after-dinner speaker in Spain, where fate would have its cruel say.
In an interview published shortly after his diagnosis, Thorne recounted the almost surreal speed with which events unravelled. He had gone to hospital with symptoms he believed were related to low blood pressure or a kidney issue. “It all happened in a day,” Thorne shared candidly. “I went into hospital thinking I had a kidney infection, and all of a sudden ‘bosh’, they told me I had leukaemia. You could have knocked me down with a feather.”
The diagnosis came during the height of the Covid-19 lockdown in Spain, compounding Thorne’s hardship. Separated from his family by international travel restrictions, he found himself facing chemotherapy in isolation: “I cried my eyes out for 24 hours,” he admitted. “To make it even tougher, I’m on my own because we’re in lockdown here due to the coronavirus. I’m vulnerable, I’m not allowed visitors… All I’ve got is a 24-hour news channel, and that’s all about the coronavirus, which is hard to watch.”
The language barrier further complicated matters, as Thorne recalled, “The main doctors speak a bit of English, but the nurses over here don’t really, so when I was told I had leukaemia, I was just dumbstruck. They said you’ve got to stay and start treatment immediately. My family are in England, that’s where my children are, so they can’t get out here. I have two boys and a girl, they’re ringing me all the time.”
Despite a valiant battle against his illness, Thorne’s situation deteriorated rapidly. He was placed in an induced coma following respiratory failure and, after entering septic shock, his life support was withdrawn on 17 June 2020. The snooker community and sports world at large mourned his passing, with tributes pouring in to acknowledge his warmth, humour, and love of the game.
Gary Lineker, Thorne’s life-long friend and host of *Match of the Day*, led the tributes: “Deeply, deeply saddened to hear that my friend Willie Thorne has passed away. One of life’s great characters. A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man, who’s potted his final black much too soon. Rest in peace, Willie.”
Thorne’s story is one of sporting achievement shaped equally by triumph and tenacity in the face of adversity. His raw honesty and humour in his darkest hours have left a lasting impression not only on the world of snooker, but beyond, reminding many of the importance of compassion, friendship, and the enduring human spirit even in life’s most bruising moments.