Britain's Got Talent star Mike Newall was rushed to hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The comedian, 45, who appeared on the ITV competition in 2020, was on a family holiday in Wales with his wife and two children when he fell "seriously ill" and had to be taken to the nearest A&E.
Wife told to 'expect the worst'
Mike's wife Nico detailed the terrifying ordeal in a statement online, revealing she was told to "expect the worst" when her husband was transferred to a specialist hospital in Liverpool. Thankfully, the bleeding on Mike's brain stopped and he is currently recovering in hospital.
As Mike is expected to be out of work for a "good while" and faces a "long road of recovery ahead", his friends have set up a GoFundMe to support him and his family, which has already surpassed £12,000 in donations.
Family's ordeal on holiday
Taking to Instagram, Nico shared a picture of Mike and their two children on the beach in Wales. She wrote: "How life can change in the blink of an eye. Moments after this photo was taken, Mike suddenly became seriously ill. We called an ambulance, but it was quicker for me to drive him 40 minutes to the nearest hospital, all while my brave, funny man battled the most unbearable pain.
"He was quickly blue-lighted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool after scans showed a brain haemorrhage. We were told to prepare for the worst, and so began the most agonising night of our lives. Thankfully, the bleed stopped."
Nico continued: "Even in the face of the worst, he remained so calm and positive. I’m so relieved to say that things have improved. His pain is being managed, his stats are improving every day and he is doing amazingly well.
"He still has a long road of recovery ahead, and there are risks the doctors are continuing to monitor round the clock over the next couple of weeks, so we’re taking everything one day at a time."
Fundraiser launched by close friend
She went on: "But we’re feeling so much more hopeful today and just praying that he continues to make progress and makes a full recovery. We honestly can’t thank everyone enough for the prayers, messages, calls, love and support. We’ve been completely overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness. It has meant the absolute world to us.
"Friends and family are everything. As for the comedy community - I’ve been in tears all day at your generosity. Testament to what an incredible guy Mike is." Nico concluded the post: "One day at a time," followed by a red heart emoji.
News of Mike's condition came to light after his close friend, Peter Vincent, shared a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his recovery, with a target of £16,000 set. The bio reads: "Hi all, it’s time for us to step up and help one of our own. Our mate Mike Newall fell poorly while on holiday in Wales and has been rushed to hospital in the North West with a brain haemorrhage.
"It’s obviously a serious condition, but he’s in good hands and we’re all wishing him a speedy recovery. Mike’s going to be out of action and unable to work for a good while, so let's take some of the financial pressure off him and his family. Anything you can put in will help, and please share this on your socials so we can reach as many people as possible."
There is, however, some encouraging news. After various scans, Mike has confirmed that they’ve found 17 brain cells. Here’s hoping he’ll talk a bit faster after all this is over. "Seriously though, let’s get behind Mike, his family and show him how much the comedy community cares. Give him 10 points."
