Geoffrey Boycott, 83, 'lucky to be alive' as he delivers huge health update after 'turn for the worse'

Sir Geoffrey Boycott 'took a turn for the worse' last month

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Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 02/08/2024

- 15:38

Updated: 02/08/2024

- 15:55

The legendary cricket icon is recovering following a pneumonia scare

Sir Geoffrey Boycott has praised the quick thinking of his wife Rachael and lauded her for "saving my life" after being readmitted to hospital last month.

The 83-year-old underwent an operation for throat cancer in early July but just a few days later had to be rushed back to the hospital after developing pneumonia.


His daughter Emma had been regularly providing updates on his wellbeing via social media but has been silent since revealing her father's health "took a turn for the worse" on July 21.

Emma said that after Boycott developed pneumonia he was "unable to eat or drink" and had to be taken to the hospital where he was given oxygen and a feeding tube.

Concerns were soon rife among Boycott's followers and fanbase but the legendary England test cricketer has spoken out to assure everyone he's on the mend.

Admitting he was "lucky" to be alive, Boycott wrote in a new newspaper column: "I am home now after leaving hospital on Thursday and I feel lucky to be alive.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott

Sir Geoffrey Boycott was diagnosed with pneumonia

PA

"I am still here because of the quick thinking of my wife Rachael. She recognised I had taken a turn for the worse in my recovery from surgery for throat cancer."

Delving into the warning signs his spouse spotted, Boycott wrote how he "became delirious, was not talking properly and short of breath" after returning home from his throat cancer op.

His wife decided to test his blood oxygen levels which revealed the 83-year-old's levels were low and a hospital dash followed.

When back in the hospital, Boycott received his pneumonia diagnosis and began treatment that he described as "difficult".

Sir Geoffrey Boycott

Sir Geoffrey Boycott is now recovering at home after a cancer operation and pneumonia battle

PA

The pundit explained in his Telegraph piece that "lying in bed wearing an oxygen mask and not moving really sapped my energy".

Boycott also heaped praise on the NHS staff who helped him get back on his feet before looking ahead to the future.

"Now I just need to get my strength back, and slowly get out and about around the house and in the garden," he said. "I want to get some fresh air in my lungs.

"I will be coughing for a while yet but hopefully the air outside will help the healing process."

Needless to say, the health update was met with an overwhelming response from Boycott's followers.

"In true and inimitable Boycott style, Sir @GeoffreyBoycott has square cut his problems to the boundary," one fan said in response to the news.

"A proper fighter! Best wishes Geoffrey!" a second echoed before a third weighed in: "Seeing this has made me smile! A day after Yorkshire day the pride of Yorkshire has given us all a lift in Yorkshire. Keep batting away Sir Geoff, you’ve got this!"

And a fourth added to the discussion: "Wish you all the best great to hear you are on the mend." (sic)

Boycott received his second diagnosis of throat cancer after initially being diagnosed with the illness back in 2002.

The beloved cricket icon made over 100 test appearances for England during his playing career before turning his hand to TV punditry.

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