The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan pictured smiling from hospital bed as he battles rare brain condition

According to the NHS, Encephalitis is "an uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed".

The health body also says "it can be life threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital" while the very old and very young are most vulnerable to the condition.

In June this year, MacGowan was admitted to intensive care but it isn't yet known if the brain condition was the reason why.

But now, MacGowan was all smiles as it appears he's recovering back in a hospital ward with his loved ones allowed to be by his side.

Sharing an update and photo from a recent visit, Clarke took to Twitter to thank fans for their support.

She penned: "I just wanted to thank everyone who is sending love and prayers for @ShaneMacGowan.

"We really appreciate it and bless all of you and anyone anywhere who is having health challenges! @poguesofficial."

Inevitably, it didn't take long for fans to share their well wishes, including one fan who penned: "Sending all the love I possess."

"Sending prayers & best wishes for a speedy recovery," a second echoed while a third concurred: "Sending love and prayers to you both. Wishing Shane a speedy recovery."

Meanwhile, a fourth weighed in: "Send everything positive that can be sent to you... everything will be fine again! feel hugged." (sic)

Clarke recently spoke out about her husband leaving ICU in an interview with the Irish Sunday Mirror.

She told the publication: "He is still in hospital but he is doing well and being looked after.

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"I didn’t want to worry people. He is out of the ICU and doing well.”

This is the latest health scare for MacGowan who now requires a full-time carer and uses a wheelchair.

The singer broke his pelvis in 2016 and four years later, tore ligaments and broke his knee in another accident.

In December 2022, MacGowan was admitted to hospital with an infection.

Founded in 1982, MacGowan was lead singer of The Pogues up until their disbandment in 2014.

Their hits include the festive classic Fairytale of New York as well as Dirty Old Town, The Irish River, Streams of Whiskey and A Pair of Brown Eyes.