A KELLS vicar is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack in Thailand.

Rev Shaun Sandham, 55, of St Peter’s Church, was on holiday visiting an orphanage he has supported since the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

He suffered a heart attack last Friday just a couple of days into his trip.

Reverend Allen Banks, the rural dean for Calder Deanery, which includes Rev Sandham’s parish, said: “Shaun is in hospital in Bangkok recovering and it is now in the hands of the doctors and medical professionals as to when he can be flown home.

“He has been supporting the orphanage since the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

“He goes to visit the orphanage quite often and has raised money for it in the past.

“Since he moved to Kells he has completed a sponsored bike ride to raise funds.’’

Rev Sandham became vicar at St Peter’s in July after serving at parishes in Hull and Workington.

Rev Banks added: “I’d like to wish him well from myself, everyone in the parish and from the wider community.

“He used to work in Workington so there will be a lot of people in the west of the county hoping that he recovers.”

Services at St Peter’s will continue as normal in Rev Sandham’s absence, with the help of Rev Banks and others.