Nick Anderton may be revered as a professional footballer and his part in Bristol Rovers' promotion season will forever ensure his name is etched in Gas folklore. However, to his colleagues at the Gas, he's simply a team mate and colleague.
A bloke they've shared multiple laughs, intense situations, nerves, challenging emotions and moments of pure exhilaration with. It's what team sport does, bond people from all different backgrounds, cultures and upbringings together behind a common goal, all very much feeling the experience.
Rovers unquestionably achieved something special during his time at the club that will always be burnished in the consciousness of those involved, and while Anderton's 39 appearances on the field and three goals were an obvious influence what clearly stood out the most was his character.
An affable, friendly, cheerful bloke with absolutely no ego, who literally everyone at the club got on with in some capacity, who was always available for a chat and provided constant light relief as the unfortunate but eternally willing butt of the joke.
Beyond the severity of his situation, and raising awareness of what he's going through, Anderton the man is what brought everyone at the club to the British Barber Company on Monday afternoon as they gathered to have their heads shaved in support of and solidarity for their mate.
Bristol Live spoke to several Rovers players on Monday to ask what Anderton means to them...
Paul Coutts: "Sam (Finley) and I lived with him last year and he's got an infectious character. Everyone wanted to be around him and he brought a smile to everyone's face.
"The news of his diagnosis came in the summer after he did the first week of pre-season. In his own words, he was on fire, and then he gets a scan on his knee and the news unfolds, so we're just trying to support him and do anything we can to raise awareness."
Sam Finley: "Paul and I woke up in the morning and we saw him foam-rolling his leg in the middle of the living room, saying he was in agony with it and he had been in agony with it for about two months.
"It's unbelievable that he played on through it and he got the scan at the end of the season and realised what was wrong with him. He was playing through that pain, and it shows the character of the man."
Harry Anderson: "We're all together and we always pull together. In times like this, it will be nice to hopefully give back to Nick and try and support him through his journey."
James Connolly: "He made a massive impression on me with how positive he is. He is probably one of the most positive people I have met.
"My debut was playing next to him and he spoke me through it and helped me through it. I was close with him from the first day I came in and he is a positive happy person all the time. It rubs off on everyone and the days out we had, he was such a big part of it. We went to Dubai and I was so close to him there.
"This is to raise awareness and every penny we can. He has had another little baby this week and anything we can do for him is a positive.
"He played with a broken rib as well last year. A lot of people won't know, but for six weeks he was fighting through it. He's that type of character and if we were in his position, we know he would be there for us."
Aaron Collins: "We love Nick and we're with him all the way. We've done this as a team and hopefully, we can raise a good amount of money for him and his family.
"It says a lot that the whole team has done this, even the lads that have come in that didn't even know him last season. We all tell the new lads that he's such a good lad and we had a great season with him last year.
"We're gutted about what's happened to him but we're with him all the way. He's been with us all season, from the first day when I scored and put his top up, and with the 16th-minute clap in every game. You always hear it and you're on the pitch thinking of Nick.
"Every game, we want to put a show on for him."
James Belshaw: "He's been great, he came in at the same time as me and we became friends. He has had his career and his life turned upside down, but for us he is still a massive part of the group. He's still messaging in the WhatsApp groups and keeping up with everything that's going on.
"To give something back to him and to do it as a team is something really special and we're doing it for Nick. It just puts everything into perspective. We are so fortunate to be able to do the job we do on a Saturday in front of thousands of people and Nick has had that taken away from him.
"He's still playing a massive part. He's on Facetime to everyone, his shirt is up with us at every game and we've got a flag up in the dressing room to draw inspiration from him and the warrior that he is.
"I'd love to have him in front of me blocking shots and keeping the ball away from me, but his health is the main thing and that is what is important."
Antony Evans: "I played with Nick at Blackpool when I was on loan and we got on dead well from the off, so when I saw Nick again when I came it was brilliant, like seeing an old mate.
"That's the type of fella he is. He is just outgoing and he gets to know everyone. He doesn't segregate himself from any people, he gets involved with everyone and he's a top lad.
"What he is going through is tough and this is just a small gesture for him."
Harvey Saunders: "He's a legend. He's going through a really hard time and he still turns up to the games he can with a smile on his face and he brings joy to everyone he is with.
"He is a cracking lad and things like this, your hair, it means nothing, it will grow back. He's a really likeable character and it makes it more compelling to do this.
"He's a quality lad and we're just wishing for the best for him."
Ryan Loft: "I have been lucky enough to play with him at a couple of clubs, both here and Carlisle. When I first met him, he was a lovely bloke then and he's even more of a lovely bloke now.
"This is just a nice gesture to show him we are supporting him with what he is going through and we're all in it together.
"He is one of the liveliest in the dressing room and he has been a big character and this is a chance to support him with what he is going through."
Anssi Jaakkola: "It is three years of hard work (growing the hair) down the drain, but it's all for a good cause and it should make my life easier and save some time in the mornings as well.
"This is our way to show support for Nick and what he's going through. He is a great guy and we're all there for him.
"I have to say, it is the first time in my career that we have done something like this, where pretty much every player and every staff member is in it and doing it for one good cause."
Luca Hoole: "Nick was my roommate all of last season so he was giving me always giving me words of advice and wisdom, so as soon as I found out the news it was a no-brainer. Of course I would help my roommate. He's helped me out a lot and hopefully seeing all of us bald will help him out as well.
"There is a massive sense of togetherness with the lads, the coaches, some of their sons and, obviously, Sarah (Thomas, Rovers fan who took part in the head shave). When I saw Sarah doing it I thought 'Wow, fair play' and I was going to have to do it then.
"We've all got each other's backs. To raise a bit of money was the least we could do."
Josh Coburn: "I've heard a lot about him and the lads obviously love him. I've got a few people in my family who have had cancer before and it's for a great cause and I wouldn't say no.
"We're all so tightly knit and you can speak to anyone about anything, and this just proves how tight we are all together.
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