Former leader of the Liberal Democrats Lord Paddy Ashdown has revealed he is being treated for bladder cancer.
Lord Ashdown, who led the Lib Dems between 1988 and 1999, said he had been recently diagnosed with the disease.
The ex-Royal Marines officer, 77, told Somerset Live: "I have known for about three weeks that I am suffering from a cancer of the bladder.
"I'm being effectively and wonderfully looked after by everyone at Yeovil Hospital, in whom I have complete confidence.
"We must see about the outcome, which as always with things like this, is unpredictable.
"I've fought a lot of battles in my life.
"This time I am lucky enough to have the magnificent help of our local hospital, and my friends and family, and that gives me great confidence."
Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable tweeted: "My best wishes for a speedy recovery to Paddy Ashdown, one of the great British political figures of the past 30 years and the man who built the Lib Dems into a Parliamentary force. Love to Paddy, Jane and their family."
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