4BR has been informed that the popular conductor Graham O’Connor has undergone a successful double lung transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Intensive care

The MD of Hatfield Colliery Band, and one of the most successful freelance conductors in the current banding movement, had the five hour operation on Wednesday and has since been recuperating in intensive care.

4BR has been informed that the specialist team of doctors are delighted with his recovery after he was found a match for the operation. Graham will remain in hospital for around six weeks to recuperate before being allowed home.

The band is off on a short tour to Belgium this weekend and we are sure Graham will have to be pinned down in his bed to stop him from trying to join us on the coach!Margaret Curran

Brilliant progress

Hatfield spokesperson Margaret Curran told 4BR: "All our thoughts and best wishes are with Graham and Debs at this moment. It’s fantastic news that he is making such brilliant progress from the operation.

The band is off on a short tour to Belgium this weekend and we are sure Graham will have to be pinned down in his bed to stop him from trying to join us on the coach!"

Messages of support can be sent via Margaret at: magshedley@hotmail.co.uk