Farren has preventative brain surgery

The Glenavon front man, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago and had to undergo major surgery in 2008, had a routine check-up a few months ago, his consultant found an irregularity and suggested exploratory surgery.

Since then, the Brandywell club’s all time leading goalscorer has been operated in a preventative move.

Following a routine six-monthly brain scan the 31-year-old has been advised that he requires a six week course of preventative radiotherapy and this will commence later this month.

“As a result of Mark’s brain tumour he goes to Belfast every six months for routine tests and the last scan showed something different to the previous tests,” stated Glenavon player/manager Gary Hamilton.

“They obviously take no chances if there is any sort of irregularity and Mark then had surgery to remove a bit of cell for the consultants to investigate.

“They have stressed the surgery is a preventative measure but he will start radiotherapy this month and we would ask that Mark and his family are left in peace to help his recovery.

“It’s been a frustrating season for Mark after scoring a lot of goals in the last six months of last season.

“He had a couple of knocks at the beginning of the season before he found out about the need for more surgery.

“The thoughts with everyone at the club are with Mark and his family and we wish him all the best with his treatment and what everyone hopes will be a full and speedy recovery.

“Of course we want to see him back scoring goals in a Glenavon shirt but the most important thing for Mark now is that he concentrates on his treatment,” concluded Hamilton.