BISHOP Kenneth is now recovering at home after undergoing a bone marrow transplant in a bid to beat leukaemia.

Bishop Kenneth

The bishop went through the procedure in Southampton General Hospital on December 14, and returned home on January 5.

He was fortunate not to get an infection after the transplant procedure, which leaves the immune system virtually defenceless against viruses. He will now be attending the Outpatients' Clinic twice as week as he continues to build up his strength.

The bishop hopes the anonymous donor's transplant will continue to settle into his body over the next few weeks, and expects to be off work until at least Easter.

He said: "For all the 'hype' of the bone marrow transplant, in the event all that took place resembled far more a blood-transfusion. I am profoundly grateful for all the prayers and affection which have brought the family and me through the past month. They helped keep us going.

"One area where the donor and I 'disagree' is over a virus, which he has had and I have not: there is the strong possibility of a period of 'non-recognition' between us, which could range from a small rash to another trip to hospital for further treatment.

"I am deeply grateful for the care and professionalism of the doctors, nurses and chaplains.

"The answer to the question 'when?' about return to work is 'I just don't know'. I will be seeing people as time goes on, but there is no thought of anything public until Easter at the earliest."

The bishop was originally diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2005 and went through four courses of chemotherapy. He returned to work at Easter, only for the leukaemia to return in June. He then had more chemotherapy over the summer.

In his absence, his duties have been taken over by the Anglican Bishop of Basingstoke, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, and members of Bishop Kenneth's staff team - his archdeacons, the cathedral dean, diocesan secretary and bishop's chaplain.