Chris Cairns shares positive update he stood unaided in hydrotherapy pool

Publish Date
Friday, 17 December 2021, 9:12AM

Former Black Cap Chris Cairns has taken to social media to share his "best day of rehab yet."

The 51-year-old collapsed after suffering a massive heart attack in Canberra in August - resulting in an aortic dissection, which is when a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body's main artery.

He was then rushed to a specialist hospital in Sydney for emergency life-saving heart surgery, during which he suffered a stroke in his spine, resulting in paralysis in both his legs.

But now the cricket legend has some hopeful news to share with his fans.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "Best day of rehab yet. First time using the hydrotherapy pool, first time standing unaided and to walk/float my way up the pool!

"Man! I've heard freedom is the oxygen of the soul….being able to swim and kick my legs today was the most free I’ve ever felt. 🙏 #justkeepswimming."

Cairns' rehab routine involves five hours of work in a gym, six days per week, as he attempts to strengthen muscles that have been effectively separated from his control for months now.

Cairns, the son of Black Cap legend Lance Cairns, was a right-hand batsman and fast-medium bowler. He is known as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.

Cairns played 62 test matches, 215 one day internationals and two T20s for New Zealand between 1989 and 2006. He went on to become a commentator with Sky Sport.

Cairns has been living and working in Canberra with his wife Mel and their children for several years.

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