Health
1News

Chris Cairns heads to pub for first time in over two years

December 12, 2023

Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns has shared footage of walking into a pub for the first time in over two years, as he continues to fight back from a devastating series of health setbacks.

The former all-rounder suffered a heart attack in 2021 that left him on life support in a Sydney hospital.

He then had a stroke in his spine after one of four open-heart surgeries.

He was also diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Now 53, Cairns has been documenting his recovery on social media and yesterday provided an update,

"So... a Kiwi walks into a pub (after two-and-a half f...... years!!!)"

Cairns played 62 Test matches, two T20s and 216 one day internationals for New Zealand.

CricketHealthAustralia

SHARE ME

More Stories

Mel Schilling and her husband Gareth Brisbane

'My one': MAFS expert remembered by husband on wedding anniversary

"We didn’t quite make 8 years married or 15 years together but what a love and what a life we had!" Gareth Brisbane wrote in a post shared to Instagram.

Mon, Jul 13

1:32

A person receiving a vaccine (file image).

Needle shy? Patches could deliver vaccines of the future

The patches are made up of hundreds of tiny tips which deliver the vaccine into the skin, rather than via a traditional injection.

Wed, Jul 8

Paediatrician Chia Liang Saw. (Source: LinkedIn)

Perth paediatrician accused of molesting 10 child patients

Chia Liang Saw, 41, is also accused of using the Sugar Daddy website to procure children for sex.

Tue, Jun 30

Vegemite is among Australian children’s most frequently eaten discretionary breakfast items (file image).

Is a new reduced-salt Vegemite Kids good for children?

A health professor unpacks whether halving the salt content in this new Vegemite product makes a meaningful difference to children’s health.

Thu, Jun 25

Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 27 (left) and Ahmad Nadir, 28 were due to face a trial at the end of August.

Alleged anti-Israeli video won't be shown at Sydney nurses' trial

The pair pleaded not guilty to being menacing and offensive when allegedly saying they'd refuse to treat Israeli patients.

Wed, Jun 24

Jackson Ford of the Warriors scores a try during the round eight NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights at Apollo Projects Stadium, on April 25, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Breakout Warriors prop sidelined with injury

Jackson Ford would be sidelined for the rest of the NRL regular season, the club said.

Wed, Jun 24

1:33

Latest

Popular

8:13pm

'Overjoyed': Parrots stolen from Auckland ditched in park

Sun conures Nico and Mango have been reunited with their family. (Source: NZ Police)

8:00pm

US House passes bill to make daylight saving time permanent

Daylight saving time will become permanent if the House has its way.

7:30pm

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been confirmed in NZ. What now?

2:29

A brown skua standing on the beach at Macquarie Island.

7:01pm

Meta lawsuit claims AI-driven layoffs hit workers on medical, parental leave

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg

6:30pm

'Hoons' tear up Gisborne park – locals call for cameras

Damage at Churchill Park in Gisborne from cars.

6:00pm

Death toll from Bangkok bar fire rises to 32

A Buddhist monk stands outside the music bar where a fire killed a number of people in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed. (Source: AP/Getty)

Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed join the World Cup closing ceremony's cast

Show will celebrate the unforgettable journey of 48 teams through 16 host cities across three countries, FIFA said in a statement.

11:41am

Taika Waititi and Sir Sam Neill.

'You are so loved': Taika Waititi remembers dear friend Sir Sam Neill

"Love you and see you soon," the Hunt for the Wilderpeople director said.

9:01am

Queens of the Stone Age. (Source: Live Nation)

US rockers Queens of the Stone Age announce one-off Auckland show

8:00am

Sir Sam Neill died on Monday.

Sir Sam Neill's net worth revealed as he leaves vineyards and farm

Tuesday 3:12pm

Sir Sam Neill.

'The genuine article': NZ's screen community remembers Sir Sam Neill

Tuesday 9:29am