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The actor Patrick Allen has died. He was 79 Obituary. Now whilst Smith & Richmond were on my DDP long-list - last year Allen was on my DDP top 20! Having said that, I'm surprised he's died as he seemed well.

Apparently on the way out: http://www.nbc4.tv/entertainment/9623024/detail.html Don't know if he'd pass the "fame test" - I'd certainly heard of him. If he makes it through the year, a good bet for '07.

Former US Senator for North Carolina, Jesse Helms Born Oct 18th 1921, has vascular dementia. Rarely seen in public these days

She's due to die soon, surely? I've got money on her snuffing it in December

The anti-smoking campaigner Allen Carr, has been diagnosed with lung cancer He says: "This has come as a shock but I remain very upbeat.” He might as well start smoking again.

former NASCAR driver Benny Parsons to be treated for lung cancer http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/raci...s.ap/index.html would very likely pass the fame test in the US, not so sure he would in the UK. Anyone on this side of the ocean heard of him?

Until I glanced at the list this morning, I always thought Charles Aznavour was dead.

The man's made fleeting appearances in the Brinsworth House thread but - b 1910 - the long time music hall legend probably needs his own thread for others here to truly appreciate his coffin dodging antics. He made an album aged 94! Most famous as half a double act with brother Bob, Alf resides at Brinsworth, might best be described as 'sprightly' but he's 96. We'll have him - in all probability - in a few years so it's time to get out the binoculars and give the pre-war star a taste of 21st century stalking.

Ta Mok, 80, one of only two surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge being held in detention, is in a coma. He was hospitalised on June 29th with heart, lung and respiratory problems, but recently his health took a turn for the worst, and his doctors are very pessimistic about his chances for a recovery. Ta Mok

My man in the West Country saw Jeremy Thorpe the other week and says he's a racing certainty for 2007 if he makes it through 2006. He has advanced MS, he says.

In the second piece of karmic repayment in the past two weeks, Enron chief Ken Lay joins child murder cover upstress Patsy Ramsey by dropping dead unexpectedly. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13715925/from/ET/ So many strong candidates out there to complete an unholy trio. OJ? Gary Glitter? Any other suggestions welcome.

If he makes it to the end of the year, movie critic Roger Ebert would be a good pick. He's just had emergency surgery and is in a serious condition. Fingers crossed he can last out the year

Jill Sinclair - wife of record producer Trevor Horn and co-founder of ZTT Records - is in intensive care after having an artery severed when an airgun pellet fired by their 22 year old son Aaron hit her in the neck. Death, unlikely, brain damage a distinct possibility according to this morning's papers. Check it out.

Abu Hamza al-Muhajir is believed to have replaced the late and very dead Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as the new leader of Al- Qaeda in Iraq. If recent news reports are to be believed, he's hit the ground running and personally executed two American soldiers, throwing in a spot of torture before dispatch. It strikes me that he's chosen rather a dangerous career path. No doubt American forces will hound him for the rest of his days. If he's still undead at the close of 2006, I would wager he won't see the sun come up on 2008.

Former South African President, F.W. De Klerk is in hospital. The 70 year old has a history of being a heavy smoker and drinker and is suffering from colon cancer. His condition had worsened on Wednesday, after having surgery, but he is now in a stable condition. He is definitely one to keep an eye on. South Africa's De Klerk stable after operation for colon cancer

Wild Man Fischer isn't doing too well. Was really saddened last night watching the documentary movie, 'Derailroaded' about his life. A paranoid schitzo who's been a legend of outsider music for years, despite averaging well under 1000 record sales a year since 1968. He went into supported living at the end of 2004 but his diet, mental state and general health are more fragile than they should be for a 60 year old.

Creator of "The Clangers","Ivor the Engine", Noggin the Nog" and the animated acme that is "Bagpuss" 81 this year, no bad health issues as far as I know, but I don't care I just want him to have his own thread. You tell 'em Ollie, Jones the Steam proletariat everyman knows the truth. Bagpuss had more wisdom in his saggy old head, than Tony Blair and this entire government have in their combined bonces.

Link to the story. Fatal heart attack at 64, his last big hit was the floor. But seriously folks: a pioneer who made his music more widely known, gigging up to a fortnight ago.

Looked well short of match fit doddering into the soap awards this week. b. 1932, can't find anything specific online about serious illness but someone out there might have an inside track on the information.

Not sure if others would consider him famous enough or not but the owner of Scottish Football League club Gretna, Brooks Mileson, is not a very well man. Gretna recently reached the final of the Scottish FA Cup, losing to SPL runners-up Hearts on penalties, just four years after leaving the English Unibond League to move back to Scotland. Mileson has also helped around 80 other clubs, in both England and Scotland, over the years. From the (UK) Telegraph Gretna fairy godfather has major health scare By Ewing Grahame (Filed: 20/05/2006) The seemingly impregnable feelgood factor which has enveloped Gretna for the past two years was punctured yesterday with the revelation that the club's millionaire benefactor, Brooks Mileson, underwent brain scans earlier this week. Mileson went in for the tests after suffering blackouts and is waiting for the results. The 58-year-old's financial backing has seen the club rise from the UniBond League to the Tennent's Scottish Cup final and a place in next season's Uefa Cup. A former international cross-country runner, he made his money from property and insurance and has helped bankroll dozens of sporting clubs and individual athletes in the North-East of England. However, it is only since Gretna's inexorable rise began that the likeable eccentric's public profile has risen. Third Division champions in 2005, they followed that achievement by claiming the Second Division title with weeks to spare. Thanks to Mileson's cash injections, manager Rowan Alexander was able to attract a squad of SPL players on SPL wages and they were able to steamroller their mostly part-time opponents. It was their cup exploits which captured the imagination of even non-football lovers, though. They were expected to capitulate to Hearts in the final at the national stadium six days ago but came back from a goal down to take the Edinburgh club to extra time. Outplaying the Champions League candidates, they were unfortunate not to claim a famous victory and earned sympathy and admiration after losing a penalty shoot-out. Mileson, as always, sat with the fans at Hampden - the club took 12,000 supporters, four times the population of the town - and enjoyed a pre-match fish supper from a local chippie. In spite of his athletic background, Mileson smokes 100 cigarettes per day and often substitutes bottles of Lucozade for meals. He claimed to have made provisions to safeguard Gretna's finances in the event of anything happening to him. Other references: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks_Mileson

Bulent Ecevit Ex-Turkish PM, who had been ill before. Recovered, and until yesterday, was doing well. Not Any Longer I'm not sure he'll make it to 2007 & it may be between him & Suharto for which world leader will die first, but surely worth a consideration, especially as this story has been covered by the BBC.

Eric Forth, tory MP with a safe seat, lost to cancer today. Got me thinking about the habit of MP's dying in the job. If we rule out the unfortunates - like the auto-erotic mishap of Steven Millican, dead with an eccentric collection of skimpy clothing and a satsuma up his safe seat - there's still a tendecy for MP's to die whilst still technically at work. Does anyone amongst us know whether they work through terminal illess to death because: i - The job attracts driven people in states of denial about their health. ii - The conditions of service mean there are financial advantages in the pension or lump sum dept to their next of kin if they die in the job. iii - Both of the above.

The english cricketing legend Freddie Trueman is seriously ill with cancer and is undergoing emergency treatment.Doesnt look too good Im afraid .Hes 75

Link Sad news.

Sorry if this already has a thread, but I could find it, so... From the Daily Mirror 6 May 2006 BOBBY IN CANCER BATTLE NUMBER 3 By Allison Martin FORMER England manager Sir Bobby Robson is battling cancer for the third time, it emerged last night. The 73-year-old had surgery this week to remove a lung tumour. Doctors spotted the growth when he went for an X-ray after injuring ribs during a skiing accident in France. His spokesman said: "He is convalescing and looking forward to getting back to his commitments." The ex-Newcastle United boss was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 1992. Three years later specialists found he had a rare form of mouth cancer and gave him just 18 months to live. He was told to give up his job but battled on and was back at work within three months. Sir Bobby has been treated at the Freeman hospital in Newcastle - which specialises in lung transplants - for his latest tumour. He is recovering at home in County Durham. He has been working as consultant to the Republic of Ireland team since January. Manager Steve Staunton said: "Knowing him as I do he'll be back fighting fit in no time."