Snooker icon Willie Thorne put into induced coma

Thorne was recently rushed by ambulance to the Torrevieja University Hospital from his home in Villamartin after falling unwell.

The 66-year-old, who is currently battling three infections, has been struggling with a dangerously low blood pressure.

He was diagnosed with leukaemia back in March and has suffered multiple health problems since then, including gout and a water infection, having also undergone several blood transfusions.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been started to help pay for his treatment, which has raised over £17,000, while fans have also poured in with well wishes.

Thornes carer and friend, Julie ONeill, wrote on the GoFundMe page on Monday: “The doctor called me yesterday to inform me that on Sunday Willie went into respiratory failure and he is now in an induced coma and mechanical ventilation.

“They are treating him with three different antibiotics for three types of infections, which appear to be consuming him at this time.

“We are all hoping that the treatments the hospital are giving him while in this induced coma will help to improve his overall condition and at some point enable him to breath on his own and be brought out of this coma.”

Thorne won his only ranked title, The Classic, in 1985 and was also a runner up at the 1985 UK Championship and 1986 British Open both to Steve Davis.

He also reached two World Championship quarter-finals and racked up over £1million in career winnings, reaching a career-high ranking of world No 7.

After retiring, Thorne was also a prominent snooker commentator and worked for the BBC for almost three decades.

Thorne had only recently thanked Ronnie O’Sullivan for paying tribute to him by donning a moustache at last week’s Championship League.

The Rocket said: “I set myself a challenge as soon as we were in lockdown. Initially I thought Id grow a beard. But that got a bit itchy.

“Then my partner said: Why not grow a tache? So I thought: Why not for a giggle? I might keep it. Im like a new Willie Thorne, but with hair.”

And Thorne, told of O’Sullivan’s tribute by friend Mark Roe, was touched by the gesture.

Roe, speaking to The Leader, said: “Willie sent me a message back loud and clear from the intensive care unit in Torrevieja hospital to say: ‘Thanks Ronnie – I love you.’

“All his friends, fans and family know how much this sort of a gesture means to Willie, in his fight to get back to better health.”