FORMER Blackburn Rovers star Colin Hendry has offered his thanks for the continued support for his wife who still lies ill in hospital three weeks after being admitted.

Denise Hendry is said to have made "marginal improvement" although is still poorly but stable in the critical care unit at the Royal Preston Hospital after contracting septicaemia. The 35-year-old mother-of-four contracted the blood infection after a liposuction operation at the private Broughton Park hospital in Preston.

In a statement issued through the hospital, Colin, a strong central defender who represented his native Scotland, said: "I'd again like to thank everyone who has sent cards and kind thoughts and for their support for Denise and our family during this difficult time."

Colin's statement follows a moving tribute by one of the couple's four children during a football game. Six-year-old Kyle, who lives with his parents in Lytham, lifted his shirt after scoring to reveal a T-shirt which said: "I love you mum" on the front and "get well soon" on the back.