Chris Cairns speaks for the first time since major medical event, thanks those that saved his life

Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has spoken out for the first time since suffering a paralysis after a life-saving heart surgery in August. In a video that he posted on his Twitter handle, Cairns said that the paralysis will be the most challenging part of his rehabilitation.

“Just over six weeks ago, I suffered a type A aortic dissection, which essentially means there’s a tear in one of the major arteries of the heart,” began Cairns.

“I had several surgeries and grafts and very thankfully the specialists were able to save the heart itself. One of the complications that arose was a spinal stroke which in itself will provide me with possibly the greatest challenge I’ve ever faced in rehab going forward,” he said.

News of Cairns’ health struggles led to wishes pouring in from the cricket world. Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar tweeted that he is “concerned to know about Chris Cairns”.

“Hoping & praying. Get well soon mate, the entire cricketing fraternity wishes for your wellbeing,” Tendulkar wrote in a social media post.

Former team mate Brendon McCullum, who had testified against Cairns in a 2015 perjury trial in London before Cairns was found not guilty of charges relating to alleged match-fixing.

“Our relationship is unimportant in the whole thing. The fact is that Chris is a father and also a son to Lance and Sue. They’ve already had such tragedy in their life with the loss of Chris’ sister a long time ago as well. It’s a really difficult time for those people, and I know the cricket community and all those who support the Cairns family will be suffering right now. Today my family and myself are thinking of those people who are suffering,” he said.

“Huge thanks to the team here at Canberra Hospital, to St Vincent’s in Sydney, the surgeons, the doctors, the nurses, the specialists – you saved my life. Thanks also (for) all the well-wishes that have been sent through to Mel, my wife, and I. Uplifting, humbling, and so, so special,” Cairns further said in the video.

“I’ll keep posting to keep you along on the journey as it goes, but please, thank you so much and much love to everybody,” he said.