NORTH-EAST singer Chris Rea collapsed while preparing to take part in a 24-hour motorsport race.
The Middlesbrough-born star needed treatment to fight a serious infection that flared up during a practice session at the Silverstone circuit, in Northamptonshire.
Mr Rea, 54, who earlier narrowly survived major surgery that left him diabetic, was being monitored by medics over the weekend in case he needed to be admitted to hospital for an emergency operation.
His wife, Joan, was at his side at their home in Cookham, Berkshire, after he was ordered to stay in bed.
The drama happened two years after Mr Rea had his pancreas and a large part of his stomach removed.
He was given a one-in-three-chance of surviving the surgery, sparked by a cancer scare.
The guitarist, famous for hits including On The Beach, has an abscess on his leg.
His manager, John Knowles, said he was surprised Mr Rea had gone to Silverstone, but said: "He did not want to let anybody down."
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