Thursday, 23 August 2007

SYKES SIDELINED BY SURGERY

Bill Sykes, Member for Benalla will be out of action for a few weeks as a result of neck surgery this week.

The surgery involves fusing of a couple of vertebrae in order to prevent pressure on nerves which is causing numbness and pain in his left arm.

The cause of Sykes’ neck damage is the subject of some debate – the specialists put it down to natural degeneration whereas Sykes attributes it to an old football injury.

Sykes said, “I copped a pretty hard knock to my head and neck in my last season with Shepparton. I’ve had problems ever since with the pain and numbness getting worse in recent months.”

Sykes continued, “Given that I played football pretty hard I accept that I have to endure my bit of pain and I’m sure that there are a few of my former football opponents who will drink to that!”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989