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Seve vows to keep fighting
Golfing legend will fight all the way in recovery from brain surgery
Last updated: 9th December 2008 
Seve: Fighting spirit
They are excellent professionals and unique as human beings. Thanks to them I will be able to play the mulligan of my life which I expect to enjoy at my best
Seve Ballesteros
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Seve Ballesteros has vowed to keep fighting as he faces a long period of recovery, following his release from hospital after brain surgery.
The 51-year-old Spaniard has been in La Paz hospital in Madrid since October and has had four operations on his brain after the removal of a tumour.
The five-time major winner was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, but is not out of the woods yet as he faces a long period of recovery, but he vowed to give that all the legendary fight that made him a star on the golf course.
"Today, after a 66-day stay at La Paz Hospital, finally (the) doctors have allowed me some temporary holidays away from the hospital," said Ballesteros in a statement on his official website.
Recovery
"There is a long recovery time ahead and I shall keep on fighting with patience and determination against the brain tumour that was detected at the beginning of October."
Ballesteros paid tribute to medical staff for their care during his stay, while admitting that he had not been a model patient at all times.
"During these two long months in hospital I wish to thank the doctors mentioned before as well as the people in charge of the Intensive Care Unit and the second floor at La Paz.
"Doctors, nurses and porters will always mean so much to me. Even more than simply carers of a sick person. They are like members of my own family.
"Occasionally I was a rebel patient and therefore I ask them to forgive me and thank everyone for all the care received.
"After the four surgeries I have undergone I would like to emphasise the efficiency and humanity of the neurosurgeons.
"They are excellent professionals and unique as human beings. Thanks to them I will be able to play the mulligan of my life which I expect to enjoy at my best."
Tumour
Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid airport in October.
After a turbulent time in and out of the operating theatre, Ballesteros is delighted to be out of hospital, and sent a message of support to all those who suffer from similar problems.
"Just as my message of October 12 I would like to send another one to the sick people whom I have left behind at this hospital and others who suffer the same illness as myself, and those even worse," he said.
"When you fight with faith and persistency you can overcome whichever drawback you come across.
"Our mind is stronger than we can imagine. Just as I always did in my professional life, visualising success helps achieve one's targets, however impossible they seem.
"Provided we believe in ourselves we can achieve goals never before envisaged.
"I am a believer and will continue thinking positively to defeat the illness I suffer and encourage those who are going through something similar to do it with the same determination as myself."
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Comments (39)
Stephen Faulds says...
Seve,i wish you a speedy recovery, You are a sporting Great,a legend of golf. Good luck,we hope to see you on that 1st tee sometime soon. All the luck in the world from Down Under. steve.
Posted 02:42 6th January 2009
Paul Vaughan says...
Keep going seve and hope to see you back on the fairways soon paul
Posted 09:05 3rd January 2009
Stephen Turnbull says...
Seve, You are my original golfing hero for the way you played the game on the course and how you conducted yourself off it. Show the same qualities during your recovery and as you say visualise it and I you can pull through. I have been fortunate to witness some of your stunning exciting golf however I can also remember you eating a banana between the 8th and 9th holes at Slaley Hall when you played there. You have that effect on people. True greatness is earned fortunately bananas are easier to come by. I wish you a speedy recovery, thank you for the memories to date and look forward to a load more.
Posted 14:11 2nd January 2009
Anne Mcculloch says...
My son ,Colin, was diagnosed with a glioma blastoma in July and had surgery to partially remove the tumour . He , too is a great sportsman...A kite surfer/ previous wind surfing champion.and , like Seve,has been fortunate enough to make a career of the sport he loves He has applied all the experience , previously applied to his sport, to getting through the rough stages of chemo and radiotherapy and has applied the fearlessness exhibited in his sporting life to fighting this terrible illness. He continues to enjoy his sport whenever he can and puts the emphasis on what he can do rather than the opposite. We , like Seve , have been humbled by the skill and dedication of all medical and support staff. As a family, we wish Seve and his family love and strength on the road ahead. Recovery is at its most potent when approached with positivity and enthusiasm...Just as on the golf course, dare to imagine the best outcome. A positive mindset is the best club in the bag at the moment. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted 12:02 11th December 2008
Chrissie Noble says...
I pray that this wonderful man WILL keep positive - someone close to me is also suffering the same illness and I pray that she to will keep being positive like Seve.... keep it in the day, God Bless xx Sorry but I am a football (and tennis!) fan!!!!!
Posted 23:57 10th December 2008
Martin Aston says...
Hang in there Seve, all square after 9. YOU know you can win. Good luck
Posted 22:49 10th December 2008
May Cockburn says...
Seve - Good luck on the road to recovery. I wish you well. - May
Posted 22:44 10th December 2008
Rosemary Aydinoglu says...
I too had a brain tumor 4years ago now and I thank God it was malignant, but evenso it has changed my life to a more positive and a different outlook on things, I wish Seve all the best and just say take it one step at a time.
Posted 22:07 10th December 2008
Andrew Foster says...
Seve is one of the few Sportsmen whose personality and spirit is far greater than just sporting excellence. Like, as I am sure MILLIONS of Golf followers around the world, I wish The Braveheart a full and speedy recovery.
Posted 21:21 10th December 2008
Caitriona Smith says...
I too am delighted that Seve is home with his family although he has a struggle ahead of him. My husband had a similiar illness and I realise what they are going through. God bless you Seve and thank you for all the hours of pleasure you gave to all your golf fans
Posted 21:17 10th December 2008
Roger Whitfield says...
Hope you come out of the rough and land on the green like you use to do Seve and hope you make the birdie, I am praying for you and hope you have a nice Xmas with your family Roger S Whitfield .
Posted 17:55 10th December 2008
Brendan Brammer says...
Legend is a word used too often these days and in a lot of cases undeserved. But here we have a man who is most worthy of the accolade. I hope he gets well soon, he's an inspiration.
Posted 17:55 10th December 2008
Mark Parsons says...
the man is a hero and has made golf into what it is today. Most of us will only ever dream of being able to have a touch on the golf course like Seve. I wish him all the best in his recovery.
Posted 17:47 10th December 2008
Stephen Bates says...
Wonderful news 4 0ps and he came through them. I've had 2 in the last year and he is right about being positive and having a strong mind. What a wonderful man and golfer. Steve
Posted 17:01 10th December 2008
Steven Standage says...
Well done to all the doctors and staff helping Seve.Inspirational words from the great man.
Posted 16:42 10th December 2008
Barry Hepper says...
My eyes are full of tears of joy, at the great news on Seve! He is one super guy, and please God, he makes a full and long-term recovery! Best news for ages.
Posted 16:30 10th December 2008
Andrew Dolan says...
the guy is gold.
Posted 15:49 10th December 2008
John Cairney says...
Seve, A truly wonderful ambassador in sport and life An inspiration to all who have faced the knife Your faith and belief in mankind Will always be at the top of my mind May you continue to fulfil such a blessed career And provide us with more joyous wonderment and cheer My prayers have continuously been for you to survive So my hero, from me a great big high five. Keep on believing, John Cairney.
Posted 15:42 10th December 2008
Steve Jeffrey says...
It's typical of the man. Always a fighter and a fantastic inspiration to everyone. There are golfers who've won more than Seve but none have had his skill, charm, personality and character. Just take it easy Mr B.
Posted 15:33 10th December 2008
John Cummings says...
It's been a difficult par 5 Sevvie but you're back on the fairway, it's only a 9 iron to the green. With your talent and everything else that's made you great.....you can finish under par. We're still rooting for you, good luck!
Posted 15:15 10th December 2008