Matt Damon flew to Boston on Wednesday (01.06.11) to personally thank the doctors treating his cancer stricken father.

Kent Damon has been diagnosed with the rare blood disease multiple myeloma and although he is currently in remission, Matt admitted he was devastated to learn his "marathon runner" father was ill.

He told assembled doctors, nurses and researchers: "My family is so grateful for the care you've given us. It's deeply humbling to see how many people here are committing their lives to helping others.

"We've lost some close personal friends to cancer in recent years, but I never thought it would happen to my dad, the marathon runner. It sucked."

Kent also spoke about his love for his "celebrity" son but couldn't resist making a few jokes at Matt's expense.

Speaking in front of a crowd which included Matt's wife Luciana, his stepmother, Celine, and his 'The Bourne Identity' co-star Chris Cooper, Kent said: He's all you could ever for ask for in a son. It's been a wonderful ride being his dad."

Speaking about Matt's Oscar nomination for 'Good Will Hunting' - which he later went on to win - Kent added: "We try not to take this celebrity deal too seriously. There was a picture of Robert Duvall, Peter Fonda, and Dustin Hoffman - then there was a picture of my 27-year-old son. He didn't belong there with all these seasoned actors!"