Paddy Long from New Zealand

[Ken Byng]

It was announced on Facebook this morning that Paddy has suffered a serious heart attack. He has had stents fitted, and it seems to have done the trick. One or two of you on this forum know Paddy personally. He is a great C6 player, and was due to play the Dallas Show next March. Thoughts are with Paddy and his family, and I wish him a speedy recovery. He is a good man.

Thanks to Billy Murdoch for making me aware of this.

[Uncle Roy]

I am sorry to hear this. Speedy recovery Paddy. Dallas will wait for you next year I am sure.

[Malcolm]

Paddy, hope you get well soon, was always a pleasure to see you at the Dallas shows over the years.Hope you are going to be fit enough to make it over this year.Look after yourself.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Prior to My first visit to Dallas in 2005 I had been cybertalking to Paddy having met Him on the U.S. Forum.
I recall being in the Peavey room in the Harvey Hotel when My Wife tapped Me on the shoulder and said "This is Paddy" !
In the time it took to shake hands and say hello I had one of those rare moments when You just know this is going to be a great friend. We gelled immediately,such is Paddy's personality.We had a few beers and lots of laughs,We corresponded regularly and always looked forward to meeting at Dallas each Year.My Wife also got on very well with Paddy although He did say that after She had a few G&T's He didn't have a clue what She was saying.Paddy calls us every Christmas day from 12000 miles away.
You may now understand My feelings when I received the news about Paddy having had a heart attack,this had been conveyd to Me by Ivan Posa,another good Kiwi friend,I was totally shattered.Ivan had asked Me to keep it quiet for the moment until the medical team had made further report.Within a very short time I saw a post on Facebook and Paddy had answered the post personally,I was elated and I have since spoken thru F/B to Paddy and thankfully He is feeling good.
Wishing Paddy a speedy recovery
Billy and Ann

[Paddy Long]

Thanks so much Billy and Ken, and everyone else for your thoughts -- it's very comforting to know how much your friends care about you when things get turned upside down a bit !!
Just to let you know that I am returning to full strength, although my energy levels are still down a bit, I'm back working part time at my software job and playing my Zums (at home at least) ... I have a first gig coming up in a couple of weeks so will see how I hold up for that one hehe .... probably need a nap between sets !!!

As Ken said they have popped in a couple of stents to the artery that got blocked and that should do the trick long term hopefully - no other damage fortunately, although I had a decent dose of pneumonia just to muddy the waters ... spring time here so the sun is helping, and of course the Rugby World Cup coverage has been the perfect tonic for anchoring me to the couch and recovering properly. Condolences to you English lads :-}

Thanks once again everyone for your thoughts - it's very much appreciated.