Election rivals have taken a break from campaigning to wish Michael Fabricant well after he was diagnosed with skin cancer.
The Conservative candidate for Lichfield and Burntwood – who has held the seat since it fell under the mid-Staffordshire constituency in 1992.
He revealed his condition on Friday when he told followers on Twitter: “I was diagnosed with skin cancer this morning (melanoma and basal cell carcinoma) at Queen’s Hospital Burton – probably caught in time.
“Had various bits removed so walking very oddly!
“I find out next week from the biopsy whether the first mole removed is an ‘in situ’ or a stage 1 melanoma.
“The staff at Queen’s are excellent and thoroughly professional. Well done NHS.
“That’ll teach me to be a sun worshipper. All vanity – if you’re like me, get your moles checked out.”
His Labour rival at the general election in Lichfield and Burntwood, Chris Worsey was one of many political friends and foes who sent him their best wishes.
Mr Worsey said: “Really sorry to hear this, Mike. Hope you make a full recovery. Thoughts with you and your family.”
Andy Bennetts, who will stand for the Class War party, said: “I hop that’s the end of it and you’re ok.”
The Conservative candidate also received get well wishes from the likes of broadcaster Jeremy Vine and political blogger Guido Fawkes.
Meanwhile, Mr Fabricant insisted that the diagnosis would not derail his campaign train.
He said: “Apart from the stitches I feel fine. And as Maggie [Thatcher] said ‘we fight on, we fight to win’ – only she lost!”
The candidates standing in the Lichfield constituency in May are:
- Andy Bennetts – Class War
- Michael Fabricant – Conservatives
- Robert Pass – Green Party
- John Rackham – UKIP
- Paul Ray – Lib Dem
- Chris Worsey – Labour
