Scots singer Gerry Rafferty 'comfortable' after collapse

SCOTTISH singer Gerry Rafferty was seriously ill in hospital after collapsing five days ago, it emerged today.

• Gerry Rafferty found fame in the Seventies with his band Stealers Wheel

The Paisley-born songwriter, 63, whose most famous song is the saxophone-led ballad Baker Street, was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital with suspected kidney failure, according to the Sun newspaper.

A statement released by Rafferty's family today said: "He is comfortable and with close family."

The singer has received treatment for liver failure in the past.

Rafferty's fiancee, Enzina Fuschini, told the newspaper: "Gerry is strong and I'm praying he pulls through."

The Sun said Rafferty fell ill and collapsed at home on Friday night, but his condition had improved since he was admitted to hospital.

A spokeswoman for The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "The trust is not in a position to confirm personal details about individuals for reasons of patient confidentiality."

In February last year, solicitors for the singer released a statement which said he was "extremely well" and composing new songs at his home in Italy.

The statement was released after reports that friends had not heard from him since he "disappeared" six months before while being treated at a London hospital for liver failure.

Rafferty is best known for the 1978 song Baker Street but also had a huge hit in 1972 with Stuck in the Middle With You with his band Stealers Wheel.