Hundreds of good luck messages have been left and more than £16,000 raised for a well known Welsh actor and producer who is undergoing emergency brain surgery. Craig Russell, who is known for appearing in BBC series Pitching in and, recently, Netflix's The Last Kingdom, announced on social media that he would be undergoing the surgery on Monday, March 6.
The actor, who is married to actress Kate Edney, shared the news on Twitter, writing: "I’m having an op tomorrow & I’d really appreciate some positivity! I’d like to also praise our incredible NHS who have been truly remarkable with me from the off. They deserve our love and respect. I’ll update you on the other side gang. Peace and love."
The actor, from the Swansea Valley near Cwmtwrch was left hundreds of messages by well wishers, including a whole host of Welsh stars. A GoFundMe has also been set up to raise funds to help Craig and his family in the aftermath of the surgery. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: 'My kids need me': Mum of four waits three years for surgery to remove a brain tumour
Welsh actor Steven Meo, who is currently starring in Coronation Street, shared the fundraiser and said: "He’s been my best friend for most of my life and the best man I know. For many people he is the first person they turn to for help, now he needs yours. Please give whatever you can and RT."
Underneath Craig's post announcing the news, lots of celebrities, including Welsh stars, shared their well wishes. Eve Myles said: "We can’t wait to see you buddy. We love you", while Matthew Rhys said: "I would say break a leg but I’ve seen first hand what happens. Hope all goes great mate…". Richard Mylan added: "Love you mate. See you soon x", and Warren Brown from BBC's Luther added: "Thinking of you mate!".
The fundraising page, which was created by Eleanor Meo and Torchwood star Eve Myles, has raised over £16,000 in the 18 hours since it was launched with over 300 donations.
The fundraising appeal says: "This is surreal to write, but tomorrow morning (Monday 6th March) our best man, and Steve's best friend, is undergoing emergency brain surgery. It has been sudden, and I know many people who love Craig dearly will find this a huge shock.
"We are desperate to help, and i know so many of you will be too...we can't all be there with them in person and hug them and help them. But i know we can make them feel our love and strength and support. The recovery will take time, and it may be impossible for Kate to work alongside caring for Craig and the children.
"I think trying to help them pay for childcare, hotel hospital stays for Kate, their mortgage, bills - anything - is a good place to start. So please help us guys. Help us ease one of the pressures of the coming months. Craig is one of the best humans. Let's show him that xxxxx."
Craig shared another update on Monday morning ahead of the surgery. He posted: "Oh what a beautiful morning…. Thank you all so much for your love, generosity and support, it means everything. I’m going in today feeling you all behind me and I’m buzzing! We’ve got this and I will see you all on the other side. All my love." A second post simply read: "I love you @kate_edney."
Read next:
- Baby born at 23 weeks who weighed the same as a loaf of bread had just a one in five chance of survival
- 'I gave birth to a 1lb baby at home and he was so quiet I thought he was dead'
- Baby born without upper airway baffles doctors as to how he's still alive
'My son may never walk, talk or interact normally after his traumatic birth'
- 'I have to go to the graveyard to see my children because of a drunk van driver'
