Rhod Gilbert confirms he is being treated for cancer as he praises the National Health Service

Comedian Rhod Gilbert has announced he has cancer in a statement issued across social media on Thursday evening. 

The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based charity he serves as patron of while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service. 

Rhod didn’t reveal the type of cancer he had been diagnosed with, but said he is in the ‘best possible hands’. 

Tough news: Comedian Rhod Gilbert has announced he has cancer in a statement issued across social media on Thursday evening

Tough news: Comedian Rhod Gilbert has announced he has cancer in a statement issued across social media on Thursday evening

Tough news: Comedian Rhod Gilbert has announced he has cancer in a statement issued across social media on Thursday evening

Addressing Facebook followers, he wrote:  ‘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. 

‘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.’ 

Sad: The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based charity he serves as patron while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service (pictured at the The Royal Variety show in 2018)

Sad: The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based charity he serves as patron while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service (pictured at the The Royal Variety show in 2018)

Sad: The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based charity he serves as patron while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service (pictured at the The Royal Variety show in 2018)

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. 

Star: The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. In 2013 he took part in a trek and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro (pictured)

Star: The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. In 2013 he took part in a trek and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro (pictured)

Star: The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. In 2013 he took part in a trek and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro (pictured)

The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

In 2013 he took part in a trek and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro.

In addition, 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.

Love: Rhod was flooded with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his post about the cancer

Love: Rhod was flooded with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his post about the cancer

Love: Rhod was flooded with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his post about the cancer