6 July 2004 For immediate release
Jonah Lomu said today that inaccurate reports about the timing of his kidney transplant, made last week, have placed
immense pressure on him.
“There are a number of critical factors that are yet to be confirmed” he said.
“Once a donor is identified it can take months for a transplant to occur, and even then there are many factors that can
delay the operation.
“We remain hopeful for a transplant before the end of the year but there are no guarantees that this will be the case.
“Over the next few months I will be focusing on keeping in good health to improve my chances of a successful transplant.
I will be in and out of hospital for routine tests over this time.
“Fiona and I continue to be very grateful to the New Zealand public for their ongoing support and encouragement over
this difficult time.”
Jonah Lomu has returned to New Zealand after a hectic eight-week tour of Europe, UK and Australia promoting his book.
Sales of the book have been better than expected, with it breaking #5 on the bestseller list in the UK last month.
ENDS