"Star Wars legend Kenny Baker is expected to be back home in Preston this weekend after being taken ill. The 73-year-old, who played robot R2D2 in the sci-fi classic, suffered problems with his long-standing asthma condition on his way back from attending film conventions in the US city of Chicago earlier this week.
He is recovering in a private hospital in Manchester and is expected to be back at his home in Ashton-on-Ribble in the next few days.
His son Kevin, 35, said his father, who is 74 this year, was "doing okay" and relaxing in hospital after being taken ill on a plane on Wednesday and rushed to hospital when he touched down in the UK."
"Star Wars actor Kenny Baker is "a lot better" after being admitted to hospital last week with chest problems, his son has said.
But the 73-year-old actor, who played loveable robot R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, remains in hospital in Wythenshawe, Manchester.
The 3ft 8in actor was taken ill while flying back to the UK from Chicago.
"He was very seriously ill when he flew in on Tuesday but he's out of bed now," Kevin Baker told BBC News.
"He's well aware of all the support he's received and thanks everyone for their kind regards."'
It seems as though the current illness might stem from a bout of pneumonia Mr. Baker suffered last year. More here at the full article.
Thanks to "Grand Moff Tong" for the link!
Update #3: Kenny Baker recently spoke exclusively with the Lancashire Evening Post about his ordeal...
"The grandfather-of-six had travelled to Pittsburgh via Chicago for a two week working holiday, including a Star Wars convention, and was on his way back to Manchester when he was taken ill.
He said: "I felt fine on the plane, but then I passed out somewhere near Ireland ? not that far away, otherwise I wouldn't have lasted.
"My girlfriend, Valerie, thought I was dying so she told everybody and they were trying to bring me round but couldn't.
"The paramedics picked me up at the plane but they couldn't bring me round either. They brought me in here and they've got a magic oxygen machine which brought me round.
"It's the thing that saved me. The oxygen levels (in my lungs) are too high and the levels in my blood are too low, so they're trying to balance it."
Kenny thinks it was an increase in oxygen levels on the plane that caused him to pass out."
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014: Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.
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