2 days ago
Westlife legend won't take part in band's 25-year anniversary show as he continues to battle serious health issues
Westlife have announced that one member won't be a part of the band's 25-year anniversary celebrations as he continues to battle health issues.
The boyband issued a statement to Instagram on Wednesday evening, updating fans on how they plan to celebrate their milestone achievement.
They revealed that a 'special show' is on the way for their devoted fans - but sadly band member Mark Feehily won't be a part of it.
Following their formation in 1998, Mark enjoyed huge success with Nicky Bryne, Shane Filan, and Kian Egan, before taking a step back in February 2024 due to his ill health.
According to the band's latest statement, he is not yet ready to return as the band prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
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In a lengthy post, they penned: 'To our amazing fans, We would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.
'We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations... On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?
'We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.
'Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.
'The four of us can't quite believe its been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world.
'We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can't wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x.'
MailOnline has contacted Westlife and Mark's representatives for comment.
Last year, Mark announced his temporary departure from the Irish boyband, just days before they were set to embark on their first ever tour of America.
Mark announced his temporary departure from the Irish boyband, just days before they were set to embark on their first ever tour of America last year
Prolonged ill-health resulted in the singer withdrawing from the band in a bid to recover after being diagnosed with sepsis.
Taking to Instagram at the time, he wrote: 'Hello and much love to you all! It's Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while.
'It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into A&E.
'I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe 'Sepsis', a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life.'
He added: 'I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter.
'It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU.
'In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in A&E, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December.
'I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour.
'Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me.
'I developed a very large 'incisional hernia' and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option.'
'I developed a very large 'incisional hernia' and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option.'
Confirming his temporary hiatus from the band, he added: 'It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time ote: that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.
'Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.'
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused when the body releases chemicals to fight an infection.
These chemicals damage the body's own tissues and organs and can lead to shock, organ failure and death.
Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognised early and treated immediately.
Mark's exit from the group came after a string of health woes in recent years, with the singer forced to drop out of Westlife's summer shows in May 2024.
WHAT IS SEPSIS?
Sepsis occurs when the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs and tissues.
Some 44,000 people die from sepsis every year in the UK. Worldwide, someone dies from the condition every 3.5 seconds.
Sepsis has similar symptoms to flu, gastroenteritis and a chest infection.
These include:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine in a day
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you are dying
Skin mottled or discoloured
Symptoms in children are:
Fast breathing
Fits or convulsions
Mottled, bluish or pale skin
Rashes that do not fade when pressed
Lethargy
Feeling abnormally cold
Under fives may be vomiting repeatedly, not feeding or not urinating for 12 hours.
Anyone can develop sepsis but it is most common in people who have recently had surgery, have a urinary catheter or have stayed in hospital for a long time.
Other at-risk people include those with weak immune systems, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young.
Treatment varies depending on the site of the infection but involves antibiotics, IV fluids and oxygen, if necessary.
