According to his website, dated April 21st:
" In November 2003, Richard Burns was diagnosed as having an Astrocytoma - a
form of brain tumour. Richard has since been undergoing treatment in
hospital and has made some progress.
Robert Reid has been spending time with Richard and comments: "I know
Richard wants to thank his friends and fans for their continued support; he
has received so many good wishes - it's really been amazing. At the moment
Richard's channelling all his efforts into getting through the treatment
which is obviously proving both physically and mentally challenging. However
he remains positive and is in a really good frame of mind."
Richard would like to thank everyone for their ongoing respect for his and
his family's privacy."