Former Blackcaps star Chris Cairns has posted social media video of himself standing, as he continues his recovery from a heart attack and spinal stroke in 2021.
Cairns has been confined to a wheelchair since his medical emergency two years ago, but has shown the same determination he displayed during his illustrious sporting career, as he tries to rebuild his life.
His latest Instagram video shows him standing with the assistance of leg braces, completing his 20-second demonstration with a Tai chi stance, before returning to his chair.
"It ain't pretty, but it's progress," he posted. "My specialists told me that if I can stand unaided, then I might be able to walk.
"If you're telling me there's a chance, I'm in.
"Long way to go (gotta sort that left leg out man)."
Cairns, 52, playd 279 matches for New Zealand across test, one-day and Twenty20 formats during his 17-year international career.
After his retirement, he rejected accusations of match-fixing and successfully sued former Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi for libel.
In Augus 2021, he suffered a major heart attack at his Canberra home and was transferred to intensive care at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital. He became paralysed from the waist down, after suffering a stroke during surgery and six months later, he revealed he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer during a routine check-up.
In an August 2022 Instagram post, he reflected on 12 months of upheaval in his life.
"It is a year today that I was admitted to hospital with an aortic dissection, an event that would impact every aspect of my life (and those around me) in ways I never imagined possible," he said.
"As I reflect on all that has happened, there are three key takeaways that I will carry forward with me.
"Set the direction, not the destination... life is what happens between the plans you make... find your purpose."
