The Ilford South MP, speaking publicly for the first time since leaving hospital after emergency heart surgery, has thanked the NHS for saving his life.
Mike Gapes was rushed to hospital by friends after a Jools Holland concert on November 27.
He was immediately taken to the operating theatre suffering an aneurysm, and spent the next two months in hospital undergoing further operations.
Writing in his monthly column in the Recorder, Mr Gapes said: “I am very grateful and overwhelmed by the warmth and support I have received from parliamentary colleagues on all sides.
“It is no exaggeration to say that I am very lucky to be alive.”
Mr Gapes thanked all of the NHS staff who cared for him.
He said: “Let no one tell you that we don’t have a 24 hour service seven days a week at our hospitals.”
The Ilford South MP said he expects to be back at work in meetings in Ilford South and in Parliament around Easter.
Read Mr Gapes’ full column exclusively in tomorrow’s Recorder.
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