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Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has hailed Lord Paddy Ashdown as a “hero” of his after it emerged he was suffering from cancer.

Paddy Ashdown confirmed he has been diagnosed with a “serious” bladder cancer when contacted by Somerset Live on Friday morning (November 2).

The former Yeovil MP and leader of the Liberal Democrats found out he had the condition three weeks ago.

Mr Farron led the Liberal Democrat party between July 2015 and July 2017.

(Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

He said: “Paddy has been a hero and mentor of mine for many years.

“He saved the party during its darkest hour and led it to its greatest successes.

“My love and warmest wishes are with Paddy, Jane and the whole family at this time.”

The current leader of the party, Vince Cable, said on Twitter: "My best wishes for a speedy recovery to Paddy Ashdown, one of the great British political figures of the past 30 years and the man who built the Lib Dems into a Parliamentary force.

"Love to Paddy, Jane and their family."

BELOW: Current Lib Dem leader Vince Cable has sent a message of support on Twitter

Don Foster, the former MP for Bath between 1992 and 2015, said Lord Ashdown had been in the House of Lords just two days ago.

He said: “Typical of Paddy that only two days ago he was in the House of Lords, cheerful as ever and reminding colleagues that his new book “Nein” is now available for purchase!

“I’ve known and worked with Paddy for over 35 years.

“He’s been an inspirational leader of men under his command and, more recently, an inspirational leader of the Liberal Democrats.”

(Image: Daily Mirror)

Lord Foster said he would always be grateful for the support he received from Lord Ashdown when he was trying to get into politics.

He added: “He gave me enormous support when I was a councillor on Avon County Council, helped in my first election campaign in Bath in 1992 and was a frequent visitor to the city.

“He continues to fight for the causes in which he believes and is highly regarded in the House of Lords where he speaks with great authority.

“I am sure that he will deal with his current illness with his boundless energy and positive approach.

“We all hope for successful treatment and and are thinking of him and his wife Jane and the rest of the family.”

The current MP for Bath, Wera Hobhouse, said she was "really sorry" to hear the news.

She added: "He is an inspiration and has done a huge amount for our party and the people of Yeovil.

"He is as tough as they come, and I know he will fight this with his signature charm and grace.

"All the best to him, his family, his friends, and everyone involved in his recovery."

Tessa Munt, former Wells MP and another prominent Somerset Lib Dem, added: "I've been in touch with Paddy recently, and I know it won't be long before he's back yomping through my constituency with his usual energy and vigour."

The Liberal Democrat press office said Lord Ashdown had shared his condition with colleagues two weeks ago.

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson added: “We wish him a speedy recovery and know that he will fight this with the vigour of a person 40 years younger.

“We all send our love to him, Jane and the family.”

Meanwhile Dave and Bridget Dollard contacted Somerset Live with their own message of support for the Somerset stalwart.

They wrote: “Paddy, a message of love and best wishes, your old friends, Dave and Bridget Dollard.”

Lord Ashdown was voted in as the MP for Yeovil in 1983 and represented the constituency in Parliament until 2001.

He was leader of the Liberal Democrats between 1988 and 1999 and went on to be the International Community’s High Representative in Bosnia between 2002 and 2006.

Over the years he has been a vocal supporter of the helicopter industry and other local causes.

If you wish to send any messages of support to Lord Ashdown, comment below or email liam.trim@reachplc.com.

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