30 May 2019

Kia ora tātou,

I have been to see Mons Brian Walsh, our Vicar General, in hospital in Sydney.

He is making excellent progress, is cheerful and very grateful for the prayers and all the messages of care. I was able to deliver to him a stack of cards etc including some from our school communities. There have been quite a few surprise visitors with connections to our Diocese or parishioners passing through.

After two more weeks of recovery he will undergo a round of tests that will provide accurate information on his condition. Today, the Doctors I spoke with informed me that it was too early to make specific comments but they did say the speed of his recovery is exceptional and I noticed they referred to strain on the heart rather than a heart attack. Certainly it was deep vein thrombosis that triggered the event, and the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation on site at the airport where he collapsed knocked him around – fractured ribs and deep bruising – but these will all heal.

It seems that on Monday he will be discharged and go to a rest home so that his convalescence can continue under some supervision. Then, depending on the tests in two weeks, a decision will be made about a time scale to return home.

Thanks everyone for your concern and support, and a particular thanks to Mons Dave Bell, Steph, Kate, Michele, Julie and Rastem at the Cathedral who are all working extra hard at the moment.

+Charles.