'Terminally-ill' Preston fan visited by players and given gifts 'lied' about her condition, Kevin Davies 'shocked'

Linda Moon was credited with helping inspire the club to promotion, but revelation has left Preston striker Davies saddened as 'how low people can stoop for their own gain'

(TWITTER)

A Preston North End fan, whose story of terminal-cancer was credited with inspiring the club to promotion, had admitted she lied about her condition.

Linda Moon said she was dying from blood and bowel cancer, which led to numerous shows of support from the club.

Preston's players visited the 34-year-old in hospital and fans held a minute's applause for her during last month's League One play-off final against Swindon at Wembley.

After securing a 4-0 win over Swindon to gain promotion to the Championship, the club took the trophy to her home. An ITV camera crew even went to her home to cover the story. At that time she said: "After my last operation in February they said the operation didn't work. Everything had spread too far. The doctors told me how long I've got but it was something I only wanted my family to know."

Ahead of the play-off final...

At Wembley...

However, Miss Moon has now admitted she lied and apologised.

Speaking to Rock FM, she said: "When my condition came out, it came out as cancer, and it all just spiralled out of control.

"I have Vascular Ehlers disease which affects your blood and collagen which is what makes my stomach swell and haemorrahage.

"I should have corrected people but it had gone too far and I couldn't get myself out of it. I thought I should set the record straight but I never did it - I feel horrible for what I have done.

"All I can do is sincerely apologise from the bottom of my heart - it's not a nice thing to do to people.

"I have seen things that people have said about me, but I understand why they are saying it. I have hurt and upset a lot of people.

"I would just like to say I am truly sorry for not saying it is not terminal cancer."

Preston striker Kevin Davies, who gave Miss Moon a signed shirt, expressed his anger at the turn of events.

The club has not commented.