27 June 23
Richard Chamberlain

During his last game of bowls before returning to UK, Richard began to feel unwell; thinking it was just the intense heat he and Jinty left early and went back to their villa.
They were due to drive back to UK the next day via Bilbao and the ferry, but it soon became apparent that Richard was not going to be fit to drive.

It was impossible to get an urgent appointment at the local Salud so Jinty and Richard went to Denia hospital where it was confirmed that Richard had had a mini stroke.
As Jinty does not drive in Spain, they had to cancel their original ferry booking, before getting a doctors letter confirming Richard was safe to travel and then rebooking a later crossing.

However, Richard was still not well enough to drive so a driver had to be found to drive both of them in their car to Bilbao. Jinty worked tirelessly to organise this successfully, and I’m pleased to say they arrived safely in Bilbao last Friday 23rd June, caught the ferry, and arrived home in Portsmouth on Sunday 25th June.

Richard will of course be seeing his own doctor, and it is hoped that his anticipated wait for cardiac surgery will now be brought forward sooner rather than later.

On behalf of all BBC members we send our admiration to Jinty for her determination and effort in getting them back to the UK safe and sound, and our thoughts and good wishes go to Richard for a safe and speedy recovery.

Judith