MAYOR’S CANCER FIGHT

‘I know he will win this battle’

POLITICAL and business leaders have paid tribute to Mayor Tom Tate and sent their best wishes as he fights bowel cancer.

The Bulletin yesterday revealed Cr Tate would undergo surgery this week to remove a small section of his intestine in a bid to rid himself of the cancer he was diagnosed with last month.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is understood to have spoken to the mayor by phone and said she hoped he made a rapid recovery.

“We need him back, fit and ready for the Commonwealth Games,” she told media from the campaign trail.

“I send to him the best on behalf of all Queenslanders for a speedy recovery.”

Cr Cameron Caldwell sent the mayor the best wishes of his family.

“We wish Tom all the best for a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with him and his family during this time,” he said.

Cr Tate will undergo the surgery at Pindara Hospital tomorrow night and hopes to resume his mayoral duties on Monday.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan paid tribute to his close “mate” and said the news had affected him deeply.

“I was devastated when I found out but I know he will win this battle, like he has with so many others,” he said.

“Tom is a champion of the Gold Coast and we need him to be fit and healthy to continue fighting the good fight.

“He has had his fair share of issues this year but good things happen to good people and I am sure he will get through this.”