Ballesteros reveals brain tumour

Eurosport - Tue, 14 Oct 11:50:00 2008

Five-times Major winner Seve Ballesteros said tests carried out over the last few days have revealed he has a brain tumour.

GOLF Severiano Ballesteros Seve jugador de golf - 0

"After being able to notify my three children personally and their mother I can inform you of my illness," Ballesteros said. "After exhaustive checks at the hospital they have detected a brain tumour."

Ballesteros will undergo a biopsy on Tuesday after which doctors will decide how to proceed.

The 51-year-old Spaniard was taken to Madrid's La Paz hospital on Monday after collapsing unconscious. Hospital officials then released a statement on Friday confirming that Ballesteros had suffered "a partial epileptic fit" but said he had left intensive care and was in "a stable condition".

"Throughout my career I have been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on a golf course. Now I want to be the best, taking on the toughest match of my life," he added. "I have always felt solidarity with those facing illnesses, many who were much older than me.

"I want to recall their bravery, belief, calmness, confidence and great mental strength we need to confront these situations however difficult they may be.

"I want to thank from the very bottom of my heart all those people interested in my state of health with many different types of support."

Two-times US Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal visited Ballesteros in hospital.

"Aside from the logical concern, Seve was very well. We had a long chat," he said. "I wish him a quick recovery."

Another Spanish golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez, who like Olazabal had been competing at the Madrid Masters said: "Seve, we love you. Everyone hopes you recover as soon as possible and we look forward to seeing you again soon."

Ballesteros won the US Masters in 1980 and 1983 and was the Open champion in 1979, 1984 and 1988.

Reuters

Comment 8 - 27 of 67

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  1. All the previous messages just show the warmth and depth of feeling that we all have for this man. A legend of the golf course and also a legend off the course as we have respected and admired this great player and man over the years. Our thoughts and hopes are with you all the way.

    From michael.hale2@..., on Sun 12 Oct 9:48PM

  2. The only reason I began to watch golf was because of Sevvy Ballesteros. He has charisma, presence and just makes the game so exciting to watch. Not only that, a very handsome looking man which made all us females just swoon when he was on TV. I myself faced a huge challenge a few years back, so Sevvy we are all behind you and praying that you make a full recovery. Best Wishes from ALL sports fans.
    JC - Stirling

    From j.campbell233@..., on Sun 12 Oct 9:47PM

  3. Get well soon SEVE we are all praying for you we all loved your style of golf you will get over this and be back hitting balls again
    love from us all in N IRELAND

    From MICHAEL, on Sun 12 Oct 9:27PM

  4. Good luck, Seve. My thoughts and those of millions of others are with you. Chris.

    From CHRISTIAN, on Sun 12 Oct 9:24PM

  5. i am not a golfer not verymuch interested in the sport but i have on acasions watched this man, heard his comments, and seen his actions,
    he is a great man and a great human being with or without golf i wish him good luck and a speedy recovery god bless you.

    From larry, on Sun 12 Oct 9:20PM

  6. So sorry to hear your bad news Seve. Don't give up. We're all behind you and wishing you well. Vaya con Dios.

    From Susan, on Sun 12 Oct 9:16PM

  7. Muy bien suerte Seve mejorarse pronto. Chris

    From Chris R, on Sun 12 Oct 9:14PM

  8. Get well soon seve, you are a strong character and will pull through this, and get well soon

    From unsy10, on Sun 12 Oct 9:12PM

  9. i had a triple stroke 5 years ago @46 yo....... the comments below sum you up as a true person... xx

    From DAVID, on Sun 12 Oct 9:07PM

  10. Seve,

    All golfers from all over the world will be wanting you to have a speedy recovery. I had the honour of meeting you once you were not only on the finest golfers the world head even seen, but you were a gentleman.
    You don't see golfers nowadays who hav so much time for the crowd.

    Get well soon

    From Richard, on Sun 12 Oct 8:49PM

  11. wish you all the best seve....you have the heart of a lion....god bless

    From DEREK W, on Sun 12 Oct 8:49PM

  12. Keep on fighting Seve, I wish you well. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your own family. From one of your many fans here in Ireland. Bobbie O'Toole.

    From Lizzy Ingram, on Sun 12 Oct 8:45PM

  13. Seve stay strong and positive through this difficult time you are a hero and now your strength is certainly being tested you can get through this we are all rooting for you
    God Bless You
    Jane S.

    From Jane, on Sun 12 Oct 8:45PM

  14. still young....but always been a fighter...daaamn these diseases....if we did'nt waste money on so much @#$% in the world perhaps some of this @#$% would'nt happen...cancer being one of them

    good luck seve.

    From mertron1, on Sun 12 Oct 8:36PM

  15. Sad news indeed.
    You will no doubt be able to defeat this in the same stylish way you have done everything else. I still have yet to see a golfer who excited the masses the way you did. Get well soon.

    From c.zdave, on Sun 12 Oct 8:35PM

  16. the best of luck and health to you seve get well soon.

    From jonathan, on Sun 12 Oct 8:29PM

  17. A magnificent human being , a fantastic sportsman, one of the greatest golfers of his time, I wish him a speedy recovery, and with the help of his many thousands of fans he will overcome this illness, just like he overcame adversity on the golf course, my prayers and thoughts are with you.

    From mr holmes, on Sun 12 Oct 8:04PM

  18. Hoping that the Godds & the Fates
    are spinning a long life thread
    for you Seve.

    You are a great sportsman.

    Wishing you all the very best in this
    all important battle to come that you
    now face.

    Fond regards to you & your family.
    Dafydd.

    From dry_garn, on Sun 12 Oct 7:58PM

  19. get well soon

    From toecutter, on Sun 12 Oct 7:54PM

  20. Seve,
    Give this you best shot.
    I have watched you over the years and you are a fighter.
    Regards,
    J.M.

    I

    From jtm060, on Sun 12 Oct 7:53PM
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