30 October 2007

Sir Nicholas returned to UK on 18 th October and since then has been assessed in hospital before being discharged to Winton House, Abbeyfield Care Home in Windsor for a week's convalescence. He is feeling much better and due to return home on 1 st November.

SIR NICHOLAS WINTON'S FAMILY PRESS STATEMENT

Prague. 17 October 2007

Sir Nicholas Winton developed acute bronchitis while fulfilling a range of engagements in Prague .

He has now recovered sufficiently to return home and will leave on Thursday 18th October.

The family would like to thank Dr Jan Dudra and the paramedics of ambulances 144 and 213, the staff at the Coronary Care Unit of the 3rd Dept. of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital especially Dr J. Malik, Dr T. Janota and the nurses and assistants. Their treatment and kindness have been fantastic.

We would also like to thank Mr Clemens Hoerth and his excellent staff at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for their care and support during our prolonged stay.

Also our thanks go to others who helped us support Sir Nicholas during his illness including Matej Minac and his wife; Vera Egermayer; Elizabeth Lobkowicz; the British Ambassador, Linda Duffield and her team and Mr.Jason Le Gear of the Little Whale restaurant.

Sir Nicholas had a wonderful time during his visit, being delighted to meet his Czech "children" on several occasions. He was also pleased to participate in other events including: being the guest of President Vaclav Havel at Forum 2000, a conference whose aims of dialogue and understanding between people he shares; meetings with President Klaus; Foreign Minister, Mr Karel Schwarzenberg; Minister of Defence, Mrs Vlasta Parkanova and the Lord Mayor of Prague, Mr Pavel Bem.

Unfortunately due to his illness his programme was cut short and although he met the US Ambassador, Mr Richard Graber on Sunday, Sir Nicholas was unable to attend the reception at the US Residence held in his honour later that week.

His safe return to the UK was facilitated by the Czech Ministry of Defence who arranged the transportation and paramedic support .

Nick and Barbara Winton, his children, are most grateful to all those who have helped us during these difficult few days and for the good wishes from all including Prime Minister Topolanek and HRH The Princess Royal. We have asked the British Embassy to circulate this information on our behalf.