MP in new health battle
A Midland MP is undergoing a new round of chemotherapy in his on-going battle with cancer.
Cannock Chase Labour MP Tony Wright has started a new six-month treatment and has cancelled most of his public duties in the district over the next few weeks.
Mr Wright is handling his constituency work from his home and is hopeful of getting back to normal soon.
In October 2004 he revealed he was suffering with leukaemia after being diagnosed several years earlier.
Leukaemia is the name for a number of cancers of the white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells that fight infection in the body.
The disease can cause shortage of red blood cells, severe bleeding or serious infections because of a weakened immune system.
The 59-year-old chairman of the influential Public Administration committee's condition is incurable but can be controlled by daily medication.
Mr Wright was admitted to hospital two weeks ago for what his constituency office assistant Sue Woodward said was a routine check-up.
Mr Wright is believed to have started his chemotherapy treatment last week and has had to avoid public events for risk of catching an infection.
The six-month treatment involves doses of chemotherapy delivered in monthly intervals which doctors hope will kill off the cancerous cells in the MP's blood.
A statement issued yesterday by Mr Wright's office said: "We can confirm Tony is currently having treatment for his leukaemia.
"He is dealing with constituents' business as usual and he hopes to be able to work pretty much as normal once the treatment is over.
"Tony would like to thank everyone for their concern and best wishes."
Mr Wright was first elected to the Commons in 1992 when he ousted Conservative MP Gerald Howarth when the constituency was still Cannock and Burntwood.
