Billy Graham looking forward to Christmas with family after hospital stay

Evangelist Billy Graham returned to his home in Montreat, North Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon following a six-day stay at nearby Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Mr Graham was hospitalised at the end of November with pneumonia.

Pulmonologist Mark Hellrich, physician for the 93-year-old evangelist, said he had responded well to antibiotics.

The programme of physical therapy also advanced daily as Mr Graham demonstrated increased strength and mobility.

This recent hospital stay also gave Mr Graham’s personal doctors an opportunity to work with hospital colleagues to complete routine tests and studies that had already been scheduled.

Mr Graham expressed his gratitude to hospital staff and wellwishers.

“I am grateful for the many thoughts and prayers expressed by individuals across the country and around the world during my stay at Mission Hospital,” he said upon discharge.

“I also appreciated the wonderful treatment I received here from such caring doctors and nurses, and feel I have made some new friends. But I am especially looking forward to seeing my home decorated for Christmas and spending the holidays with members of my family.”

Mr Graham’s staff confirmed he will continue with physical therapy at home, with the goal of returning to normal activities in the coming weeks.

This includes resuming his next writing project, summarising the message he has proclaimed for more than 60 years, incorporating thoughts and discussions on that topic that occurred during his hospitalisation.