Hadlee undergoes surgery
WELLINGTON: New Zealand great Sir Richard Hadlee is recovering from bowel cancer surgery.
The former fast bowler had a routine colonoscopy last month which uncovered the disease.
An operation to remove the tumour went extremely well, according to a statement from Lady Dianne Hadlee.
Hadlee (66) will soon undergo a few months of chemotherapy.
It is expected he will make a full recovery.
Hadlee played 86 tests for New Zealand, taking a then world record 431 wickets.
Lady Hadlee said in a statement: ‘‘Last month, Richard had a routine, threeyear colonoscopy, and we discovered that he has bowel cancer.
‘‘He has since had an operation to remove the tumour. This operation went extremely well and he has made an excellent recovery from surgery.
‘‘As a safeguard, further treatment in the form of chemotherapy will commence shortly and last for a few months.
‘‘It is expected that, in time, he will have a full recovery.
‘‘Our reasons for making this statement are a desire to be transparent, and to prevent the inevitable speculation and incorrect rumours.
‘‘I would also request people’s understanding and acceptance of our request for privacy while we go through the next few months, both for ourselves and for the extended Hadlee family.’’ — RNZ