Chris Cairns: Near Death, Now Guiding Young Cricketers

A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

Chris Cairns, once celebrated as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation, has faced a series of life-threatening health challenges that have tested his strength and determination. The former New Zealand cricketer, now 55 years old, has endured a spinal stroke that left him paralysed from the waist down, along with a series of other serious medical conditions. His journey has been marked by moments of near-death experiences, long hospital stays, and a battle against bowel cancer.

Cairns’ health struggles began in August 2021 when he suffered an aortic dissection, a severe condition where a tear occurs in the inner layer of the aorta. This required emergency heart surgery, during which he was briefly placed on life support. He spent 141 days in the University of Canberra Hospital before being discharged. However, this was only the beginning of his challenges. Six months later, he suffered a spinal stroke, leading to his current reliance on a wheelchair.

Despite these hardships, Cairns has shown remarkable resilience. In a recent interview with the NZ Herald, he reflected on how close he came to death during his ordeal. “Extremely (close to dying). I'm a very lucky man,” he said. Initially, the reality of his condition did not fully sink in, but as he came to terms with his diagnosis, he understood the potential long-term impact on his life.

The situation worsened when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. After undergoing a colonoscopy, doctors recommended a stoma operation, which would allow him to manage his condition independently. This decision marked a turning point for Cairns, enabling him to regain control over his daily life and re-engage with the world around him.

Navigating Past Challenges

Cairns’ life has not always been smooth sailing. Around 2008, he faced serious allegations related to match-fixing in the Indian Cricket League (ICL). While these accusations were a significant part of his past, Cairns has chosen to move forward, focusing on his health and personal growth rather than dwelling on previous controversies.

“I'm pretty pragmatic. That's their opinion. The opinions and the decisions by the courts, that's the fact. I don't have to respond. I don't have to say anything. It's just a part of my life,” he explained. For Cairns, the events prior to August 21 are now insignificant compared to the present.

A New Chapter in Personal Life

In addition to his health battles, Cairns has also experienced a personal change in his relationship with his wife, Melanie Crosser. The couple separated two years ago, though they continue to co-parent their three children. Melanie has been a steadfast supporter throughout his medical struggles and past challenges.

“We went through, you know, an enormous amount as a couple. And so two years ago, we made a mutual decision to separate,” Cairns shared. Despite the separation, he expressed gratitude for the time they spent together and the support she provided during his difficult period.

Giving Back to Cricket

Despite his physical limitations, Cairns remains deeply connected to the sport he once loved. He has started to walk using crutches, showing a determination to maintain his independence. More importantly, he is giving back to cricket by helping young players improve their skills.

Cairns developed a bowling machine after noticing that many young cricketers struggled to keep the ball straight. His goal is to make the game more enjoyable and accessible for future generations. “We just want the game to be enjoyed. We want it to be better. We want the parents to be more engaged because the kids are being more active. We want them to choose cricket in the summer,” he said.

Embracing the Present

Reflecting on his journey, Cairns acknowledges the importance of living each day to the fullest. “Being through what I've been through, I know how lucky I am. Without knowing that those people have not lived a full life, I have that opportunity. So that's up to me and, you know, and I'll make the most of it,” he concluded.

Cairns' story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact, both on and off the field.