McCoo artist Steven Brown in hospital after suffering stroke at his home, with his family thanking the NHS for looking after him.
Kilmarnock born Steven, 49, is responsible for the multi coloured Highland Cows, animals and other artwork which hangs in thousands of homes around the world.
An English firm bought the rights to the McCoo brand just days before his Ayr-based firm collapsed in July 2019, leaving tens of thousands of pounds owed to staff and creditors.
And Steve who is still acting as an ambassador for his art, last year revealed sales have jumped by nearly a third during lockdown.
Despite the recent boom in sales however, the artist has experienced another setback after falling ill at his home.
A statement on his website informed fans of his art that he had been admitted to hospital but is now in a 'stable' condition.
It read: "Steven was admitted to hospital last week after falling unwell at home. It has now been confirmed that Stephen has unfortunately suffered a stroke.
" He is currently in hospital being monitored closely and is now in a stable condition. We want to thank the wonderful NHS staff for the incredible care Steven is receiving and we hope you will join us in sending him, his wife Caroline and your family all our love and support."
We will of course update everybody in this much-loved colourful community that means so much to him as we have more information.
"Thank you all so much for your lovely messages, these have been a huge comfort to Stephen‘s family.
"We hope you understand we can’t respond to them all, and any personal messages to Stephen and his family cannot be replied to at this time love and best wishes from us all."
Fans around the world have now sent him wellwishes.
One wrote: "Wishing Steven a speedy recovery. I love seeing his wonderful artwork."
Another added: "Wishing Steven a speedy recovery. Just received my Willie McCoo canvas this morning as well. So sorry to hear this. such a sad news! Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery lots of love to his family. xx From Perth Western Australia."
And someone else wrote: "Sorry to hear this Best wishes for a speedy recovery All my McCoo love & hugs to Steven & his family xx"
