I've Been Waiting singer Matthew Sweet suffers 'debilitating' stroke while on tour

Rock n Roll performer Matthew Sweet - who enjoyed chart success in the 1990s - will take weeks to recover after suffering a stroke while on tour in North America

Rock musician Matthew Sweet has suffered a "debilitating" stroke while on tour.

The 60-year-old performer has been touring North America and fell ill while in Toronto, Canada. The star, whose hit songs include Girlfriend and I've Been Waiting, will now require weeks of rehabilitation in order to recover.

Friends of the star have launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise funds to help him navigate his recovery. Highlighting the fundraiser on instagram, his official account stated: "We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your many generous donations and well-wishes from all around the world in the past 48hrs. We urge those who haven't chipped in to please consider showing your support for Matthew during this critical time. ⁣"

The original GoFundMe post shared details of the terrifying health ordeal the singer faced. It explained that he was rushed to hospital - and was left facing a long road back to recovery and huge medical costs.

The appeal began: "Matthew Sweet, our longtime inspiration and dear friend, suffered a debilitating stroke this past week in Toronto while in the early days of a national tour. He has been unexpectedly and tragically forced off the road and onto a long, uncertain path to recovery. We are asking for financial help in this difficult time from his family, friends, and fans.

"Without insurance or touring income, Matthew faces an enormous financial burden. The doctors and hospital care in Toronto were instrumental in saving Matthew's life, but health care is not free for Americans in Canada. He must now be flown back to the States on an ambulance transport plane with medical staff on board, to a specialized rehabilitation center, where he will receive around-the-clock care and therapy for six weeks."

The appeal continued: "He will then require months of treatment and rehabilitation that we hope will lead to a full recovery. Needless to say, the costs for all of this treatment will be overwhelming. We anticipate a total close to a quarter of a million dollars. Your thoughts, love, and support will mean the world to him. But please donate financially if you possibly can. Matthew will be forever grateful to you."

So far the appeal has raised over $190,000 USD (£147,000) of the $250,000 (£194,000) target. Fans have been sending support to the musician - with one writing on Instagram: "Donated. His music has always been there for us, time for us to be there for Matthew."

Another wrote on the GoFundMe page: "Matthew - Your music has been illuminating my life for over 30 years. You’re still, and always will be, in my regular listening rotation. Thank you and get well soon." And a further fan typed: "Matthew, I hope you recover from this! You are a legend and although this isn’t much, anything to support you. We love you Matthew sweet!!"

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