MY wife Maria doesn't drive and when I was told I had to go into HRI, I phoned my chum Kev, a man for all seasons and emergencies, and am I glad I did.

He stayed with Maria and me throughout – he may even have assisted in the operation, for all I know – and was massively generous with his time and care.

When I felt like death, he cheered me up with his latest Spam recipe (he's a member of the Spam fan club) or unlikely medical tales.

When he was a patient in Leeds General Infirmary, he changed his religion so he could have the halal menu because he likes curries.

He's had lots of operations; while this was my first.

He described himself to ward nurses as my carer and the state I was in, I needed one.

He also got his own back. I have written some rather silly stories about Kev over the years, mainly because he does silly stuff, so he took the opportunity of me being laid up to bring into hospital a bag of soft toys which he tucked around me for the delectation of the nursing staff.

"Well," he said. "It's a kiddies illness – so be a big kid."

Thanks Kev.