This story is from November 2010 and Gerry died on January 4, 2011. You can read the story here - Gerry Rafferty dies at his Poole home

POP legend Gerry Rafferty is receiving treatment at the Royal Bournemouth hospital for suspected kidney failure.

The 63-year-old Baker Street singer’s family is keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital, where his condition is described as “comfortable”.

Until recent months, the Scottish songwriter and his partner, Italian artist and designer Enzina Fuschini, had been living in a detached rented property in the Upton area of Poole.

Neighbours yesterday were shocked to hear he had been admitted to hospital following a long battle against alcoholism.

One woman said: “Gerry lived here until a few months ago.

“I didn’t see much of him and his partner; they kept themselves to themselves.

“The house they were renting has now been sold and I’d thought they were intending to move to Italy.”

Enzina Fuschini’s daughter Virginia Young told the Daily Echo how her mother had devoted the past three years to caring for Rafferty.

She described him as “a wonderful man” and “dear friend”, adding: “He has given so much to everyone and touched miles of lives in a beautiful and positive way.”

A statement from Rafferty’s family said: “He is comfortable with close family” while a hospital spokeswoman said: “The trust is not in a position to confirm personal details about individuals for reasons of patient confidentiality.”

There were fears for Rafferty’s wellbeing after he disappeared from St Thomas’s hospital in London, where he was being treated for suspected liver failure.

Last March solicitors for the singer released a statement saying he was “extremely well” and composing new songs at his home in Italy.

It is believed that he fell ill and collapsed at his home on Friday night, but his condition has improved since being admitted to hospital.

Rafferty earns an estimated £80,000 a year in royalties from his main claim to fame, the classic 1978 hit Baker Street.

He also had a huge hit in 1972 with Stuck in the Middle With You with his band Stealers Wheel.