Phillip Leishman
Sports broadcaster Phillip Leishman underwent brain
surgery yesterday morning in Auckland after a tumour was found
last week.
The television veteran is understood to have found out last
Friday that he would need an operation.
Close family friend Leanne McGoldrick said the operation was
to remove the tumour but treatment would be ongoing. She said
the family had asked for privacy.
"He has come through the surgery well.
"It's a difficult time for the family as they come to terms
with the news of his brain tumour and the options for
treatment.
"We would appreciate it if the family's privacy can be
respected during these early stages. We will be in a better
position to comment publicly once we have more details from
the specialists and a better understanding of the right
course of action.''
A broadcaster since 1970, Leishman has been a longtime
fixture of New Zealand's television landscape.
Most recently he has hosted the Golf Show, but has also
covered Olympic and Commonwealth Games for TVNZ, as well as
yachting, tennis, league and rugby.
He was also the host of Wheel of Fortune, the country's
longest-running television game show and has been a longtime
supporter of children's charity Variety.
His brother Mark Leishman is a radio host.
- Yvonne Tahana of the NZ Herald
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