for cancer of the oesophagus.

Newby flew up to Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York early last month after complaining of stomach problems for the past year. He was admitted to hospital where tests were carried out and the ailment diagnosed.

Newby, now an outpatient but a regular visitor to the hospital for treatment, is expected to be in New York for another three to four weeks before returning to Bermuda.

"He is in good spirits and responding very well to treatment,'' said fellow Dolphins coach Barry Hanson who is planning to visit Newby next week.

Through E-mail, Newby has been able to keep in contact with his swimmers at the club and has also received scores of mesages from well wishers. He has also been busy with a masters swimming programme he has started in New York.

Newby has been heavily involved in masters swimming in Bermuda. The England-born coach represented Bermuda at the Masters Championships in Mexico last year.

DUNCAN NEWBY -- hopes to return next month following treatment in New York.

HEALTH HTH