Former Black Cap Chris Cairns has walked on crutches into a bar after suffering a spinal stroke in 2021. Photo: REUTERS
Chris Cairns achieved many feats in his legendary cricket career, though the simple act of walking into a bar may well be his greatest accomplishment to date.
The Black Caps legend suffered a spinal stroke following emergency heart surgery in 2021.
Former Black Cap Chris Cairns has walked himself into a bar after suffering a spinal stroke in 2021. Photo: Instagram
Cairns spent 141 days in Canberra Hospital recovering and he required four open-heart surgeries.
Five months later, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The stroke had left Cairns paralysed from the waist down and he has spent many agonising hours since learning how to walk again.
He has shared his journey on social media which showed the countless hours of grind in recovery.
The work has evidently paid off, as on Monday afternoon Cairns was filmed walking into a bar with the assistance of crutches and setting up at a leaner.
"So a Kiwi walks into a pub (after two and a half f****** years!!!). Day 1 of many that lie ahead…what a team…I'm so blessed and cannot thank you all enough," the caption read.
All of his posts are accompanied with the hashtag #notdoneyet.
Comments have flooded in praising his commitment.
"You are amazing," "this is magic to see," "what a superstar."
Cairns played 62 tests, 215 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches for New Zealand between 1989-2006.
His enigmatic style made him a beloved fan favourite.