Charlatans drummer thanks well-wishers

The Charlatans' drummer Jon Brookes has thanked his friends, family, fans and hospital staff for their support after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Brookes wrote about his on-stage collapse and subsequent treatment in a blog post on the band's official website.

"I began to realise the absolute interdependence of shared knowledge and the pure brilliance of energies exchanged in order to investigate the chaos which to most of us is unfathomable in such alien environments and medical situations," Brookes explained.

"I had become besieged with messages of good will from every direction, family, fans, friends, colleagues, strangers, hospital co-workers and nurses."

He added: "I know that who we touch are touched indeed, and I will never be able to express my heartfelt thanks for all the love and light I received, from all of you who text me, sent me cards, made calls to me or passed on their support and best wishes that ultimately brought me back home, safe!

"I have the best chance of rebuilding my life now and will always have one eye on the lookout for those strange lights!

"But knowing that love is the key and I wouldn't be here without it... It is with the deepest thanks I can express that I will hopefully be back to my old self and be returned to full heath with the ongoing treatment I am to receive."

> Charlatans drummer 'back in six weeks'