Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced that Jody Craddock's youngest son, Toby, has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The defender and his wife Shelley have begun the process of treatment for their two-and-half-year-old at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Wolves manager Terry Connor told the club's official website: "Everyone connected with the club will be devastated to hear the news about Toby, and will want to offer all their love and support to Jody, Shelley and all their three boys.
"We are comforted to hear that the programme of treatment will give Toby a very good chance of a full recovery, and we know that, at Birmingham Children's Hospital, he is in the best possible hands.
"But we are also aware that the diagnosis is the start of a long and difficult battle for young Toby, and as a club we will be there to stand side by side with the Craddock family throughout these difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with Toby and the whole family."
Chairman Jez Moxey added: "On behalf of Steve Morgan, the board, and everyone at the football club, we would like to echo Terry's words and we will be there to support Jody and his family every step of the way."
The 36-year-old centre-back has been with the newly-relegated side since 2003.
Danielle Joynson
