SHAW councillor Howard Sykes is on the road to recovery back to his ‘usual busy self’ after undergoing emergency surgery and suffering sepsis at the beginning of the year.
Writing on his website, the Liberal Democrat councillor who sits on Shaw and Crompton Parish Council and Oldham Council, revealed he was struck down by illness in early January but is now slowly returning to his duties.
He said: “Firstly can I apologise for the lack of updates since the beginning of the year.
“In early January I was admitted to hospital with suspected renal colic. This turned out to be a perforated bowel requiring emergency surgery. This went well and the bowel is repaired.
“The difficult issue as a result of this condition was that I suffered from sepsis and went into septic shock for which I have been receiving treatment in hospital for since.
“My recovery is progressing well and as I get better I will be able to access my IT equipment more frequently and return to my usual busy self, dealing with the issues that affect us all on a regular basis.
“In the interim, if you are not able to contact me immediately and have an issue that requires attention, my ward colleagues Cllr Chris Gloster and Cllr Hazel Gloster will be more than happy to help.
“Can I thank those of you who were aware of my illness for your best wishes, messages and cards, which makes such a difference when you are unwell.
“I will endeavour to restart my MyCouncillor updates but they may be more ad-hoc for the next few weeks.”
Contact Cllr Chris Gloster and Cllr Hazel Gloster by email at chris.gloster@oldham.gov.uk or hazel.gloster@oldham.gov.uk or by telephone 01706 847709.