A THURROCK UKIP councillor is “recovering well” after falling ill with a brain haemorrhage last week.

Councillor Maggie O’Keeffe Ray, representative of the Aveley and Uplands ward, became unwell and collapsed shortly after holding a council surgery on Saturday, August 23.

The councillor, who was newly elected in May, was rushed to Basildon Hospital where she underwent observation.

However, her health took a turn for the worse on Tuesday and she was transferred to Queens Hospital in Romford.

Mrs O’Keeffe Ray’s husband, Councillor Robert Ray said that although her condition was described as “high danger” she is showing significant signs of improvement.

He said: “She is very lucky, it was a close call. Her condition went from high critical to high danger but that will also start to drop down.

“Her actual physical condition is getting better and she is recovering well. Her condition is stable but there is still a lot of improving to do.”

Mr Ray also wished to thank everyone who had asked after his wife.

He added: “I would like to thank all the residents and friends who have enquired after Maggie and have been concerned about her health.”

The leader of Ukip Thurrock, Graham Snell, has also spoken out following the illness.

He said: “On Tuesday 26th Maggie, unfortunately, took a turn for the worse and was transferred to Queens Hospital Romford where they have a specialist head injury unit capable of providing the care and treatment she needed.

“Maggie has been quite poorly but I am pleased to say that she is now showing positive signs of recovery.

“All of us in the UKIP Group send Maggie our love and all our thoughts are with her and Robert at this difficult time.”