The former Carlisle United defender has been inundated with good wishes after he went public on his illness.

Walling spoke last week about his diagnosis with prostate cancer.

He gave heartfelt interviews to the News & Star and BBC Cumbria last Friday.

The following day he was at Solihull Moors to co-commentate on Carlisle's 2-1 win for Radio Cumbria.

Afterwards he told the News & Star he wanted to issue a public thank-you to everyone who has sent messages of support, including fans, former team-mates and others in football.

"The number of messages I've had is unbelievable and overwhelming," said Walling, known affectionately to Blues fans as 'Deano'.

"I've had so many that it's been impossible to reply to them all so far.

"But I couldn't be more grateful to everyone."

Supporters have flooded the News & Star with words of support for Deano since our interview was published.

Walling was on co-commentary duties on BBC Radio Cumbria on Saturday (Image: Richard Parkes)

On our Facebook group, Mark McAlindon wrote: "Many people - rightly - talk about the good times you had with United, Dean. But your commitment as a footballer and quality as a man were also apparent in those lean seasons that went before. You’re doing a brave and noble thing speaking out. Wishing you the very best."

Blues fan Chris Gibson added: "Stay strong Deano. And well done for raising awareness. As someone who was diagnosed with the same condition aged 46, I would say if you are a man old enough to remember Deano playing for Carlisle United then its probably time to be checking symptoms and getting a test if needed. Prostate cancer affects one in every eight men so more common than a lot of people think."

Carl Whalley said: "Deano, you are too strong for this! You’ve done a great thing raising this issue for males generally as many are ignorant about the issue. All United fans are with you!"

Andrew Wright added: "Spreading this awareness will undoubtedly save lives. Well done Deano and stay fit and well."

John Tyson said: "You're a warrior Deano. You've got this."

Walling said his cancer is at the less aggressive end of the scale, and can be managed by "active surveillance" - checks every three and six months - rather than through any initial treatment.

After his commentary stint on Saturday, United head coach Rob Elliot and Morgan Feeney took time to chat to Walling at Damson Park, passing on their best wishes and inviting him into the club when he is next in Carlisle.

The popular defender, who was a major part of United's successes in the 1990s, is due back in the city on Friday, November 13 at Carlisle's Box Arena, for a night of Blues memories along with fellow former United star Michael Bridges, in an event organised by the Blue Army podcast and ex-Blues midfielder AndyCouzens through his Acevents23 company. Click HERE for ticket details.