The esteem in which Shane Dye is held in Australia was reflected when he received a personal note from Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, wishing him a speedy recovery.

He was also buoyed by a hand-written letter from actor Russell Crowe who, like Dye, is a New Zealander who made it big on the world stage.

Crowe said: 'You are a very strong man, Shane, and I'm fully expecting you to bounce back very quickly. I look forward to seeing you again when we are in the same part of the world.'