SUNDAY UPDATE

Graham and I visited the hospital today and saw Dad. Although he is responding to treatment and healing well, he is very frail, and the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital ward is - in my opinion - proving too much for him. According to the Staff Nurse to whom I spoke, nothing much is likely to happen until we have the results of the analysis currently being carried out on the fluid that was removed from his chest. When these tests are complete, he will probably be moved to Bideford, and then eventually, home.

Thank you once again to everyone who has telephoned, emailed, or visited. Your support is gratefully appreciated at this difficult time. (Thanks to Mark and Olly who are keping the home fires burning as I speak).

SATURDAY EVENING UPDATE

There ain't much to add really. Mark and I went to see Dad today. He is recovering nicely, and we hope that he will be transferred back to Bideford hospital in a day or two. The drain has been taken out and he seems to be improving.

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE

Having just spoken to the Staff Nurse on the ward, I am pleased to say that Dad had a quiet night and seems to be progressing as well as can be expected. We will be visiting him this afternoon...

FRIDAY UPDATE

Not much news today, so I guess that the old adage that `no news is good news` holds true. Graham and I went to see him today, and he is considerably brighter than he was yesterday. We spoke to his doctor who told us that he was `on the mend`, and it is hard not to agree with him. They will be taking the drain out soon,and he should be on the way back to Bideord to recuperate within the next few days.

Thank you to everyone who has called giving good wishes.

By the way - his new book `Fragrant Harbours, Distant rivers - Making of Modern Africa` is out today. Dad is very proud of it - as are we - and he has been showing his first copy round the ward. I wonder if we can get it stocked in the hospital bookshop? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

THURRSDAY UPDATE...........

Mark and I have just got back from the hospital. We arrived on the ward just before 10.30 and it took over five hours for us to see Dad's doctor. However the news is generally good. They have drained over two litres of fluid from his chest, and were still draining as we left. He has had a sdecond chest xray, basically to find out whether his right lung is returning to normal. There is no indication as yet as to what has caused the pleural effusion, but test results will be back in a few days.

Although he was quite confused and upset when we arrived, by the time we left - especially after a visit from the vicar - he was feeling somewhat better. He will probably be transferred to Bideford Hospital sometime next week.

Thank you again for your good wishes, prayers and support

WESNESDAY TEATIME UPDATE

Mark and I went to see Dad this afternoon. He is still in the Medical Assessment Unit, but is likely to be moved later today. He is calmer than he was yesterday, but still horridly frail. His stiff upper lip - as anyone who knows him will not be surprised to here - is jutting out marvellously, and he is not only being incredibly brave about it all but is even managing to get some humour out of the situation.

As we left he was going to get an ultrasound scan, so we may have some more news later

Wednesday Update

I spoke to the hospital this morning, and was told that he had a quiet night. There is no more news available, except that the diagnoseis is confirmed. Pleural Effusion is what- in the old days - they called `wet pleurisy`. The hospital told me that they have not started the draining procedure yet because they are continuing their investigations. Mark and I will be going to the hospital in an hour or so. We should have more information later.

In the mean time, the CFZ office is still open, manned by Graham and John, and - from friday - by Olly. It is business as usual.

Mark and I will maintain these updates.

Finally, my brother and I would like to thank you all for your kindness and support at this difficult time.