Gascoigne Taken Ill on His 40th

PAUL GASCOIGNE was taken to hospital in agony with a burst stomach ulcer after celebrating his 40th birthday.

The former England midfielder was out with friends at the Marriott Hotel in Gateshead on Sunday when he became ill.

He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital at around 7pm with a suspected perforated ulcer. He was transferred to the city’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where he had emergency surgery.

A perforated ulcer causes sudden, sharp, severe pain and usually requires immediate hospitalisation.

Gascoigne’s agent Jane Morgan said last night: ‘Paul was admitted to hospital last evening.

‘He underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer and will remain in hospital for a few days. He is recovering well from the surgery.’

Since the end of his career on the pitch Gascoigne has fought a long-running battle with alcoholism and depression while trying his hand at managing, advertising, writing, comedy and TV presenting.

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