Kiwi sporting icon Sir Richard Hadlee has revealed his own health struggles and those fellow former NZ allrounder Chris Cairns now faces.
In 2018, Sir Richard underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy treatment, after being diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Last week, the 70-year-old oversaw another step forward in the development of the Sir Richard Hadlee Sports Centre - a step he was unsure he'd live to see.
"I'm doing fine," Sir Richard tells Newshub. "But I'm realistic enough to know health is very important and health can change very very quickly.
"All I can say to people is look after yourselves, look after your health and if something's not right, get checked."
With his own health under control, Hadlee's been in close contact with the Cairns family, as Chris recovers in Australia, after suffering a stroke during a heart operation that has left him paralysed.
"This is going to be his greatest test really," says Sir Richard. "To come back from a very serious illness."
The 86-test veteran played alongside Chris' father, Lance Cairns, for many years during a golden period for NZ cricket in the 1980s, when he established himself as the world's premier seamer.
"I have been in touch with him and [Cairns' mother ]Sue, who's over in Australia… and we're getting up-to-date news releases, like a lot of people, about his progress."
In between updates, Hadlee's trying to fundraise an additional $2.5 million for the multi-purpose centre named after him, so the next generation of Canterbury cricketers - like him and Chris Cairns - can one day wear the fern.
The Sir Richard Hadlee Sports Centre will open in March 2022 in time for the ICC Women's World Cup - giving Christchurch its first indoor training facilities since before the 2011 earthquake.
"The facility is not just about securing Canterbury's cricketing future but giving thousands of people training in a variety of sporting codes at a world class facility," Sir Richard says.
"I urge the public to get involved by donating whatever they can.
"It’s a wonderful legacy that will benefit thousands. It’s going to accommodate the next generation of cricketers.
"We could have the next Kane Williamson in our midst and I want to help give our young people the best chance at realising their dreams."
The centre will house five 3.6-metre-wide cricket lanes, with a 20-metre run-up for bowlers, as well as large changing rooms to meet international cricket standards.
A mezzanine floor will overlook the training lanes, in order to give coaches and trainers a private space to work with direct views into the centre and over Hagley Oval.
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