Ex-Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown reveals he’s battling bladder cancer
The 77-year-old politician is being treated in hospital near his home in Somerset
EX-LIB Dem leader Paddy Ashdown is fighting bladder cancer, he confirmed today.
The political veteran, 77, has vowed to battle against the disease which was diagnosed last month.
Lord Ashdown is being treated in hospital near his home in Somerset and praised the care he's had from NHS staff.
He : "I have known for about three weeks that I am suffering from a cancer of the bladder.”
“I’m being effectively and wonderfully looked after by everyone at Yeovil Hospital, in whom I have complete confidence.
“We must see about the outcome, which as always with things like this, is unpredictable. I’ve fought a lot of battles in my life."
Lib Dem pals said they were supporting Lord Ashdown in his fight against the disease.
A party spokesman told The Sun: "Paddy informed colleagues of his illness two weeks ago.
"We wish him a speedy recovery and know that he will fight this with the vigour of a person 40 years younger.
"We all send our love to him, Jane and the family."
Lord Ashdown, a special forces and intelligence veteran, was the first leader of the Lib Dems, from 1988 to 1999.
After retiring as MP for Yeovil, he was the de facto governor of Bosnia for four years, overseeing the country's peace treaty.
He is now a member of the House of Lords but remains close to the Lib Dem leadership and is a senior figure in the pro-EU campaign.
In 1992, he was dubbed "Paddy Pantsdown" after he admitted cheating on wife Jane.
The couple, who married in 1962, stayed together despite the revelations, and have two children and three grandchildren.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online politics team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours