Richmond wildlife guru Sir David Attenborough has cancelled a sold out tour of Australia, scheduled to begin next week, to undergo emergency heart surgery.
The 87-year-old is in urgent need of a pacemaker and surgery will take place today, June 4, in London.
A statement on tour organisers Lateral Events’ website read: “Sir David Attenborough is to undergo surgery in London today following advice from his cardiologist that he is in urgent need of a pacemaker.
“It is with regret, therefore, that Lateral Events CEO Simon Baggs announced that the forthcoming sell out tour of Australia, scheduled to begin in Brisbane next week, has been cancelled.
“Sir David expressed his extreme disappointment as he said he was very much looking forward to coming back to Australia and he hopes to reschedule his tour in the near future.
“Baggs advised that after Sir David recovers from surgery, discussions concerning a potential rescheduling of the tour can begin.
“In the meantime, ticket holders will be refunded.”
The nature lover, who has lived in Richmond for 65 years, spoke at a sold out Richmond Upon Thames Environment Trust event last month in Duke Street Church.
His brother Richard, 89, sold his Richmond property earlier this year to move into a care home.
For full details on how to receive refunds for tickets, visit http://lateralevents.com/public-events/sda/
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