Comedian Rhod Gilbert shares update on stage four cancer battle - 'Day by day'

Rhod Gilbert has shared an update on his battle with stage four cancer.
Rhod Gilbert has shared an update on his battle with stage four cancer.
Ian West
George McMillan

By George McMillan


Published: 13/12/2022

- 17:07

Rhod Gilbert revealed he was receiving treatment for the disease earlier this year

Rhod Gilbert has shared an update on his battle with stage four cancer.

The 53-year-old revealed he was receiving treatment for the disease in Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Hospital Centre earlier this year.


He posted: “As a proud patron of Velindre Cancer Centre, I’ve trekked the world, hosted chaotic quizzes and star-studded comedy nights.

Rhod Gilbert arriving for the Sony Radio Academy Awards, at the Grosvenor House hotel in central London.  PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 14, 2012. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
The 53-year-old revealed he was receiving treatment for the disease in Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Hospital Centre earlier this year.
Yui Mok

“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.”

Reflecting on earlier this year the comedian said: “I had a terribly sore throat, tightness through my neck. I was having to cancel shows because I couldn't breathe,

"I was having all sorts of problems and we couldn't get to the bottom of it."

"In May, I noticed lumps started popping up in places they shouldn't be. It turns out I've got Stage four cancer.

"I also caught Covid on that walk as well. I came home with cancer and Covid from a Velindre fundraising trek... the irony of that! I went as a Velindre patron and came home as a patient."

Comedian Rhod Gilbert delivering his creation during Cake International 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham.
Rhod Gilbert has said he is “recovering day-by-day”
Jacob King

Now, Gilbert has provided an update on his condition, saying he is “recovering day-by-day”

He told BBC Radio Wales: "I'm feeling happy, positive and optimistic. I'm feeling good and feel like I'm recovering day-by-day.

"Some days I'm well enough to do a bit of writing and I've got a feeling when I've got through all this there'll be a show in it.

"The things people say when they find out you've got cancer... people panic. There's a lot of humour in it.

"Hopefully I'm going to jot it all down and one day bring it to the stage."

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