Hawking misses 70th birthday due to illness

Posted on Monday, 9 January, 2012 | Comment icon

12 comments | News tip by: Still Waters

Image credit: NASA

Professor Stephen Hawking was unable to attend his own birthday celebrations due to ill health.

While he couldn't be at the celebrations in person Hawking did send a recorded message to those attending. "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet," he said. "Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist." The 70-year-old exceeded all expectations when he was first diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of 21, doctors at the time had given him just a few years to live.

British scientist Stephen Hawking has had to miss a symposium to mark his 70th birthday because of ill health. Professor Hawking was discharged from hospital only on Friday, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, told the event.

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Source: BBC News

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Recent comments on this story

#3 Posted by DeadDoll00 on 9 January, 2012, 17:50

Haha, yes, let's not be too eager to send him on his cosmic journey just yet xD

#4 Posted by Eldorado on 9 January, 2012, 18:00

Didn't realise he was so old. He's had a good innings, all things considered. Happy Birthday, Prof!

#5 Posted by Junior Chubb on 9 January, 2012, 21:01

"Hawking misses 70th birthday due to illness" - The thread title made me chuckle. Does this mean he gets to be 70 next year instaed? Happy Birthday Professor Hawkins.

#6 Posted by The Mistress of Shades on 9 January, 2012, 22:43

Happy Birthday, Professor Hawking! Here's to hoping you feel well soon.

#7 Posted by juvzk on 10 January, 2012, 2:32

happy birthday....

#8 Posted by 27vet on 10 January, 2012, 5:57

Many Happy Returns Prof! Get well soon.

#9 Posted by The Silver Thong on 10 January, 2012, 6:11

Science has allowed him a life far longer then they gave him and good on science for doing so even if that sounds contradictory. Happy birthday.

#10 Posted by Imaginarynumber1 on 10 January, 2012, 6:12

I sure hope he sticks around for a while longer.

#11 Posted by Device on 10 January, 2012, 12:46

He may actually have attended his birthday celebrations - but in a paralell universe. Happy 70th Professor Hawking!

#12 Posted by HawkLord on 10 January, 2012, 20:20

Happy B-day Mr Hawking

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