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Former Blackcaps star Chris Cairns fights for his life

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Wed, 11 Aug 2021, 12:49PM
New Zealand cricketing all rounder Chris Cairns and his mother Sue Wilson pictured in 2006. (Photo / Simon Baker)
New Zealand cricketing all rounder Chris Cairns and his mother Sue Wilson pictured in 2006. (Photo / Simon Baker)

Former Blackcaps star Chris Cairns fights for his life

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Wed, 11 Aug 2021, 12:49PM

As former Blackcaps star Chris Cairns fights for his life in an Australian hospital, his mother is unable to get to his bedside due to Covid travel restrictions.

Sue Wilson is in Canberra and will not be able to get to her son at a hospital he was transferred to in Sydney.

The city is currently under strict Covid-19 restrictions as it continues to deal with the latest Covid outbreak in the community.

News of Cairns' condition broke last night.

It is understood he collapsed, having suffered a massive heart attack last week in Canberra - resulting in an aortic dissection, a tear in the inner layer of the body's main artery.

According to a Newshub report, he has undergone several operations while in hospital, but has not responded to treatment as hoped.

Cairns is then said to have suffered an infection and had to be transferred to Sydney for hospital treatment.

Cairns, 51, the son of Blackcap legend Lance Cairns, was a right-hand batsman and fast-medium bowler. He was known as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.

Chris Cairns is fighting to stay alive after collapsing in Australia. (Photo / NZ Herald)

The Cairns family has endured personal tragedy. Chris Cairns' sister Louise was killed in 1993 when a cement truck failed to stop at a level crossing at Rolleston in the South Island and collided with the Southerner passenger train.

Former Blackcaps teammate Andre Adams said on social media his thoughts and prayers are with Cairns and his family.

Fans were quick to share their support for Cairns, with many wishing him a speedy recovery and reminiscing about his memorable moments for New Zealand.

"Oh no. This is awful. Chris Cairns is responsible for one of my most treasured cricket memories: NZ v RSA at the Gabba for my 15th birthday.

"We were on the brink of defeat and he blasted an unbeaten century. And I admire the work he did for rail safety after his sister died," one wrote.

Australian journalist Brendan Bradford added: "Ah man this is awful. Chris Cairns was an absolute icon when I was growing up. A genuine superstar. Hope he pulls through this."

NRL journalist Brad Walter wrote: "Terrible news. I used to love watching Chris Cairns bat and bowl. He was the Kiwi version of Gary Gilmour."

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