Harrison Ford and his girlfriend Calista Flockhart have been described as "wonderful" and supportive - by the actor's first wife MARY MARQUARDT, who is suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Twice-divorced Ford married Marquardt, with whom he has two children, in 1964. The couple split in 1979.

Ford has continued to aid Marquardt financially long after their divorce, and the kindness he and ALLY McBEAL star Flockhart have shown her since Marquardt was diagnosed with her illness has left her grateful.

She says, "Harrison has been a true friend and a great love. He has stood by me, quietly asking for nothing in return, through my darkest days. He is a wonderful human being.

"I shall always love him for what he has done. He and I will forever be family.

"He bought me my house and has been incredible supportive through my illness.

"Calista has been wonderful, too. I could not ask for more."

31/07/2005 02:22