Andrew Marr 'conscious and speaking to doctors' after stroke

 
p7 Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Young / Rex Features (561099k) ANDREW MARR AND WIFE AN EVENING CELEBRATING MO MOWLAM AT QUAGLINOS RESTAURANT, ST JAMES, LONDON, BRITAIN - 20 NOV 2005
Rex

Andrew Marr was today said to be conscious and able to speak as hopes rose that he was recovering from a stroke.

The 53-year-old presenter, who was rushed from his home to hospital on Tuesday, was today inundated with good wishes - with friend and neighbour Sir Trevor McDonald describing him as “the best of the best”.

The ITN newscaster, 73, a neighbour of Mr Marr’s in East Sheen, told the Standard: “He is simply a wonderful and accomplished man and we all wish him well.

“He is a fantastic journalist and simply the best of us what more can I say. Let us all hope that he recovers. He is such a great man and this is a shock to us all. I know the family well and we are all thinking of them.”

Wellwishers today posted hundreds of messages on Twitter and Facebook in support of the 53-year-old presenter of The Andrew Marr Show on BBC1 and Start The Week on Radio 4.

The BBC said last night that doctors said he was “responding to treatment”. There was no official update on his condition this morning amid fears that the days immediately after an attack are crucial for stroke patients. However friends reportedly said he was conscious and able to speak.

Radio 2 presenter and former political reporter Jeremy Vine tweeted: “Thinking of my friend Andrew Marr and hoping he gets better soon.” Times columnist David Aaronovitch said: “I am so sorry to hear about Andrew Marr, who I’ve known for over 20 years. Many, many people are hoping that he makes a complete recovery.”

Labour’s shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna wrote: “Wishing, Andrew Marr, one of the giants of the BBC, a speedy recovery!” Radio 5 Live presenter Richard Bacon tweeted: “I love Andrew Marr”.

The BBC said its deputy political editor James Landale would present The Andrew Marr Show this Sunday, with Labour leader Ed Miliband due to appear. Guest presenters will fill in on his Radio 4 show on Monday mornings.

BBC acting director-general Tim Davie said: “I am very sorry to hear the news about Andrew. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back at the BBC soon.”

Mr Marr, who is married to journalist Jackie Ashley and has three children, was the BBC’s political editor between 2000-2005. He is a fitness enthusiast and is often seen jogging in Richmond Park.

He began his career as a newspaper reporter, becoming the editor of The Independent in 1996 before turning to television. He has also presented a number of history programmes, including Diamond Queen, which marked the Queen’s 60th jubilee last year. He has written five books.

Around 150,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK with about a quarter of these in people of working age, according to the Stroke Association.

Spokesman Joe Korner said: “A stroke happens in an instant but the effects can often last a lifetime. However with the right care and support it is possible to make a recovery and return to a life after stroke.”

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