Everyone at Torquay United is sending their love and support to Women’s Team player Roxy Thomas and her family following her diagnosis with a brain tumour.
Roxy, 18, has undergone two operations over the past few days as she begins her treatment, and everyone associated with the Club is thinking of her during what is an incredibly difficult time for Roxy and those closest to her.
The talented young defender joined United last summer following her progression through the Plymouth Argyle pathway, where she had already played first-team football from the age of just 16.
Roxy quickly established herself as an important member of Ryan Perks’ side, with the attacking left-back playing a significant role in an outstanding 2025/26 campaign.
She was a regular member of the United team that went through the entire league season unbeaten, winning the South West Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division title and securing promotion back to the FA Women’s National League.
Roxy and her teammates subsequently completed a remarkable domestic treble, adding the Devon Women’s Premier Cup and League Cup to their league title, with Roxy’s performances recognised when she was voted Young Player of the Season.
More importantly, during her time with United, Roxy has become a hugely valued member of a particularly close-knit group of players and of the wider Torquay United family.
Her teammates have been rallying around Roxy and her family since receiving the news, while the Club will provide whatever support it can during the weeks and months ahead.
Women’s Team Manager Ryan Perks said:
“Roxy is a wonderful young person as well as an exceptionally talented footballer, and everyone within our group is thinking about her and her family right now.
“The players are an incredibly close group and they have all been rallying around Roxy. Football very quickly becomes secondary at a time like this – our concern is for Roxy, her wellbeing and making sure that she and her family know the whole Torquay United family is behind them.
“Roxy has shown tremendous strength and courage, and we will be alongside her and her family every step of the way.”
Torquay United Women Chairman Rob Hawes added:
“Roxy is a very special young woman and has made a huge impression on everyone at the Club in such a short space of time. The news has understandably affected everyone connected with the women’s team deeply.
“Our focus now is simply on supporting Roxy and her family in whatever way we can. They should know that they are not facing this alone. Roxy is one of our own and the entire Torquay United family – players, staff and supporters – is right behind her.”
The Club will also be supporting a JustGiving appeal to help Roxy and her family with the costs associated with her treatment and care.
Further details, including how members of the Yellow Army can contribute, will be shared in due course.
We know the Torquay United community will want to show Roxy just how much support there is for her.
For now, everyone at Plainmoor sends Roxy and her family our love, strength and very best wishes.
We’re all with you, Roxy.
