STEPHEN Flynn’s dad has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer.
Mark Flynn, who is leader of Dundee City Council and dad to the SNP Westminster leader, told The Courier he had received the news several weeks ago and is now undergoing treatment.
While saying he needs to focus on prioritising his health, Flynn said he intends to continue in his role as council leader.
He said in a statement: “Firstly, I was honoured to take on the role of leader of Dundee City Council, something I could never have imagined as a young boy growing up in our schemes.
“But less than a few short weeks later I was hit with another surprise, albeit a slightly scarier one.”
Flynn said that “like most people of a certain age”, he has had several aches and pains over the years.
He added: “Like a lot of men of my generation I often need a little convincing from the family to go to the GP.
“This latest occasion was slightly different on that front, as the seriousness of the discomfort I was feeling left me in no doubt that I needed to be checked over by a professional.
“And, after some rapid tests by the NHS, I was told a number of weeks ago that the pain I have been experiencing was being caused by cancer.
Flynn, who replaced John Alexander as leader in September, urged people to “enjoy life as best you can and hold close those you love”.
“If I’m honest, the hardest part up until now has probably been escaping my own pride to share this news with friends, colleagues and now the people I serve across our city,” he added.
“Not just because I have always lived a relatively private life, but because doing so makes it all seem more real than it otherwise would.
“Now, it may seem a bit clichéd, but life is indeed full of highs and lows, and I have experienced both in very personal terms these last few weeks.
“So, to all who may read this I simply say to enjoy life as best you can and hold close those you love.”
