panicky rambling, news updates

If anyone hasn't heard it, Richard Hammond's condition was changed from 'critical' to 'serious but stable' late last night, and the hospital say there's been some improvement overnight. His wife, children and co-presenters are at the hospital with him. This article is the most detailed I can find, and is being updated as more information becomes known.

Last night I stayed on the Internet until midnight, waiting for updates on his condition, ever since I heard about the accident at half-past eight. It's midday now, and I've been completely glued to the news channels since I woke up at six. I think I may actually be going mad from worry.

I've never really experienced this kind of panic over news before. Richard Hammond is one of the very few celebrities I genuinely care about. Obviously I would be upset if something happened to, say, Philip Glenister; but I would be more upset because something had happened to Gene's actor than because it had happened to Philip Glenister as a person, because I don't know anything about Philip Glenister the person. The Top Gear presenters, meanwhile, I came to know and love as themselves.

God, I hope he's all right. The news channels seem to be becoming a little more bored with the story, which on the one hand is frustrating because they're not telling us what's going on, but on the other hand presumably means that Richard is still stable. (There are so many things I wish I knew. Is he conscious? Is he able to speak?)

Clarkson has released a statement from the hospital in which he said, "Both James and I are looking forward to getting our Hamster back," which struck me as absolutely adorable and made me feel a little better about this whole horrible situation.

Best wishes to Hammond, his family and his friends, and I hope that he makes a speedy recovery.

Dear News Channels:

When you say 'significant brain injury', what do you mean? (oh please Hammond be all right.)

When you say 'hopes of a good recovery', what do you mean by 'good'? How recovered is 'good'?

There is one reassuring thing about this latest batch of news, which is that it is beginning to sound as if he is decidedly not at the brink of death. This is a relief, because I've been incredibly worried every time I've checked my friendslist or the news that the unspeakable might have happened. 'Significant brain injury' is still very alarming, but it's less alarming than 'critical condition', and the apparent optimism of the doctors gives me hope.

Although it would probably be more helpful if I could be sure what they meant by 'good'.

I hope you come out of this safe and well, Hamster. Good luck. You're supposed to outlive us all and continue to be boyish and enthusiastic and adorable until the end of time, you know.

(I am in a state right now and will update as many times as I like, thank you.)


EDIT: In a statement from James May: "...he does seem to be the same Richard that I know and love."

I'm staying wary about this until the BBC have confirmed that it's real, but that's the most reassuring thing I've heard all day. I do feel much better now.

EDIT THE SECOND: Yes, a second source for the May quote! It certainly is better to know that.