Rhod Gilbert has revealed he is receiving treatment for cancer.
The 53-year-old comedian shared a statement to his Facebook page to reveal that after years of raising funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, he was receiving treatment there.
Rhod didn't reveal the type of cancer he had been diagnosed with, but said he is in the "best possible hands".
Gushing over the "incredible" care he has received so far by NHS staff, Rhod praised the facility.
Opening up about his health news, he wrote in a statement on his Facebook page: "As a proud patron of Velindre Cancer Centre, I’ve trekked the world, hosted chaotic quizzes and star-studded comedy nights. I’ve met and made friends with so many inspirational staff, patients and their families. It has been a huge part of my life for the last ten years.
"So while I never imagined that I would be a patient here, I know better than anyone that I am in the best possible hands. The NHS care I’m receiving is incredible.
"I wouldn't wish this on anyone...but who knows, maybe I'll come out the other end with a new stand-up show and a 40 minute rant about orange squash."
Never Mind the Buzzcocks star Rhod then shared his gratitude over the support he'd received of late and revealed he would be taking time away from the spotlight to focus on his health.
He ended the statement with: "Thank you everyone for your support over the last few weeks and months (and years). I’ll be disappearing for a while and won’t be commenting further, at least not for now, whilst I focus on my recovery. Rhod x".
Welsh star Rhod was flooded with supportive messages from fans in the comments as one wrote: "Rhod sending you armfuls of get well wishes and hope you make a steady recovery. For now gentle hugs my friend".
Another added: "Wishing you lots of love and strength for your treatment ahead. Hope you make a speedy recovery and get a new stage show out of the experience!! xxx".
"Wishing you a speedy recovery RHOD. Sending love and hugs from Cornwall. Very much looking forward to seeing you back up on the stage," a third wrote.
The comedian has made a number of efforts to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, including a Trek of a Lifetime to the Roof of Africa in September 2013. His journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro.
In 2015 Rhod lead a trek to Patagonia and embarked on more treks in 2019 and 2022, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the centre.
In 2017, Rhod suffered a suspected mini-stroke. Recalling the moment where his left arm waving involuntarily while on the toilet at his home.
Rhod was later referred to a stroke clinic and, soon after, he began raising funds for the Stroke Association.
Writing on his fundraising page, he recalled the incident: "I had my own stroke scare a little while ago. When my arm began to shake uncontrollably, it was scary.
"I hadn’t thought much about stroke before and it did give me a fright, even though the doctors say everything is fine now.
"It’s important that people get to hospital straight away if they’re at all worried."
