From SMH
Britain's former world motorcycle champion Barry Sheene revealed today that he is suffering from throat and stomach cancer.
The 51-year-old, who won the world title twice and now lives in Australia, was diagnosed in July just days after competing in a legends race during the British Grand Prix at Donington.
Sheene visited a doctor after complaining of a sore throat and trouble with swallowing but claimed he was ready to fight for his health.
"This is a total pain in the arse but I'm going to fight it," said Sheene.
David Miller, a friend of the Sheene family, told the Press Association on Thursday night that the former racer was currently feeling unwell and had requested no contact from the media whatsoever.
However, Miller insisted that Sheene was feeling upbeat about his chances.
Sheene, who has divided his time in recent years between his business interests and race commentating, lives on Australia's Gold Coast with his wife Stephanie and two children.
Sheene was at the height of his fame in the 1970s when his battles with American rival Kenny Roberts and a playboy lifestyle kept the British racer on the back pages of the tabloid newspapers.
But his career was cut short by racing injuries and he made his home in Australia to ease the pain caused by arthritis brought about by broken bones suffered in crashes.
Get well soon Bazza. 
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