It's been a very long and tiring day for Dad and Mum and me, with some ups and some downs to get through.

The most important thing is that the hospital had a bed available for Dad, and he's now staying on the Chest ward for two or three days. The drain tube is in place, and the last of the fluid has already started being removed from his left lung lining. He's begun to feel a little better already after only four hours of draining, and with a big container already full of the stuff which he has to carry with him to the loo. Much-needed relief from his breathing difficulties is in sight. The smile on Dad's face when they wheeled him onto the ward to start the draining procedure is what I am focussing on tonight.

It's late and I'm too tired to write more, or to try taking a better photo. Further news tomorrow.