Chopper in hospital as cancer fight continues Chopper Read has been admitted to hospital. UNDERWORLD figure Mark ``Chopper"" Read has been admitted to hospital as his 17-month battle with liver cancer continues. The 61-year-old told the Herald Sun earlier this month that he was told by doctors he would not live beyond Christmas, but was ``not worried"" about dying. A statement issued by Read's manager Andrew Parisi, through the Royal Melbourne Hospital's media department, confirmed Read had been admitted for ``an ongoing and serious illness"." ``Neither, Mark or his family will be providing any information regarding his prognosis and would appreciate privacy in these most difficult times,"" Mr Parisi said. ``I will ensure that media are properly advised of Mark's condition in the coming days. ``Thank you for your interest in Mark's health."" The former criminal was diagnosed with liver cancer in April last year and he also has cirrhosis. He said his illness started after contracting hepatitis C while in prison.