Dear Friends,

I want to thank everyone, everywhere for their messages of support, and also to let you know my current situation.

Firstly, to everyone who has sent cards, letters or left messages on this message board for me – a huge, heartfelt thank you. It is my intention to reply to all cards and letters as soon as my health allows.

Secondly, I would like you all to understand (and especially the children), that I am alright. Yes, I have a condition which has forced me to stop doing something which I love very much, but in the whole scheme of things, I am grateful that it is not a lot worse
Certainly it was horrible for so long, not knowing what was wrong with me. I had years of events that took me to hospitals and doctors, with nothing more than to be sent away with a shake of their head and "There's nothing wrong with you, you're perfectly healthy!". Whilst it was great to hear that I was perfectly healthy (and yes, my heart, lungs, brain and vital organs are all functioning perfectly), it is the communication system between my brain and various parts of my body that fails sometimes. Independently they are all perfect, it is just that they let me down sometimes by not working together properly!!

I am very, very conscious that, while this is a challenge for me, there are so many more parents, children and families in much worse situations than I am faced with. Over the years of performing with The Wiggles, we had the privilege of meeting many of these families in hospitals, at shows and in their homes. It is these families and the challenges that they face, from which we should all draw strength at times when we are faced with our own personal challenges – no matter how small or large they may seem.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your lives, and honored that you let the Wiggles become part of your families. That is the greatest thing I will have achieved in my life. My favourite saying lately is "Every cloud has a silver lining", and my silver lining is that, now, my own children shall benefit from having their Dad around a lot more. I know that even for me, just to be able to pick them up from school, or be here to go to school concerts or presentation days, without having to explain that I will be on tour, is making a world of difference to them, and me, and our relationship together.

I want to thank Mich#lle for standing by me in this very difficult time with my health, and the decision that I have had to make. She has been of immense help and support, and I greatly appreciate the way she has helped me through this emotional quagmire and given me the strength to face this day by day.

Some people have been asking in messages on the board if I will stay involved in song writing or other ways with the Wiggles. At this stage I really don't know. I guess time will tell on this.

I do know that I still love music, and I'm sure that in some way, I will still try to perform - be it singing on a stage in front of a band, or just singing in the backyard while I mow the lawn!!! I realize now that the rigours of touring were not favourable to this condition, and so, if I can find a way to still perform without the kind of schedule that the Wiggles keep, I will endeavour to be on stage or in the studio doing what I love – it just won't be with the Wiggles anymore!

Right now, my health is my top priority, and once I have a better grip on the long term effects on my health and my life, I will be in a much better position to determine what I am able to do.

I really hope that you all understand that this is the right decision for me. Not necessarily the right time - but the right decision. One which was incredibly difficult to make, (and the reality of it is still only starting to hit – no more touring, no more seeing the children singing along and dancing along while I sing the songs that I love), I am sure that you will all embrace Sam as the new yellow wiggle. He is an amazing singer, and a great personality, and I know that he too, will become part of your family just I have over the years.

Also, I want to take this opportunity to wish everybody – everywhere, a happy and safe holiday season! Take care of each other, and travel safely wherever you go! Have a terrific 2007, and finally - thank you all for the incredible memories, opportunities and experiences that you have all helped to create,

Your ever grateful friend,

Greg

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