An update has been provided on the health of snooker legend Willie Thorne, as he battles sepsis and leukemia in Spain.
The 66-year-old was a familiar face to snooker fans in the golden era of the 1980s, while in recent years he was a commentator during major tournaments for the BBC.
Thorne was admitted to Torrevieja Hospital in Spain on May 2nd, where he underwent MRI scans and heart checks.
Thorne's friend Julie O'Neill, who has been caring for him, said she has called in lawyers to help the stricken star access his medical records.
She set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his care - with over £20,000 of the £30,000 target raised so far. O'Neill has provided an update on his current health status.
"I wanted to do an in-depth update with official accurate medical information! But I am still trying to obtain that information with legal help! The truth is I’m not 100% sure exactly what is going on right now!
Gary Lineker (l) and his best mate, snooker star Willie Thorne (r)"Willie has come home from hospital last Friday, but I fail to understand why... he is unable to move his arms, his legs. He can’t feed himself or put a drink to his own mouth!
"He now has a bed sore to add to this! As far as what I understand from the translated discharge papers from the hospital he has a super infection (sepsis) throughout his body and tests are still needed to determine the cause of this!
"I have had to bring in a care company to help with the excessively increased care he now needs. I have also hired a legal representative to aid me in getting access to his medical records and to gain official answers as to what exactly is going on here as I am failing to see sense in it!
"For the people messaging or calling him and not able to get through to him, his lack of response is literally due to the fact that he had next to no movement in his hands and arms! I hope that the next update we have more official answers and a more positive direction in Willies recovery!"
Thorne's financial troubles have been well publicised in recent years - he was declared bankrupt in 2015. His friend Gary Lineker is among those who have donated to the GoFundMe for his medical costs.
During his career, the Leicester cueist reached a high of number seven in the rankings, while he only ever won one ranking event - The Classic in 1985.
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