Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth has announced in a letter to his clergy that he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The 74-year-old bishop, who is soon to retire, had been diagnosed with the disease after a CT scan in mid-June at the Queen Alexandria Hospital, Portsmouth. Bishop Hollis said the scan had revealed a cancer "which is probably malignant". A biopsy and MRI scan will be carried out in early August, he said. The bishop will most likely have to undergo major surgery to help treat the disease, which would take place later this September. He has said that before then he would still hope to join the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from August 21 to 27. Previously struggling with other health problems during the year, the bishop said he has already been spending much of his time in hospital. Bishop Crispian said in his letter: "I would be very grateful for your support and prayers, together with prayers of all in the diocese." Crispian Hollis, born in Bristol, followed the footsteps of his grandfather, an Anglican bishop, and was appointed as auxiliary bishop of the Oxfordshire area in 1987. Two years later he was assigned to Portsmouth. Bishop Hollis has served as Bishop of Portsmouth for 22 years. The road outside St John's Cathedral was renamed Bishop Crispian Way earlier this year to mark his nearing retirement. His letter to clergy