Wayne Lineker, the prominent nightclub owner and brother of football pundit Gary Lineker, has issued a sobering health update after a severe medical crisis. The 63-year-old businessman spent ten days in an intensive care unit after being diagnosed with a serious case of chronic pneumonia, which has left him unable to walk.
A Frightening Health Ordeal Begins
Lineker's ordeal began approximately two weeks ago. He believes he contracted a severe infection while on a flight from Mauritius to Dubai, where he was due to attend an anniversary party. Initially, he thought he was suffering from a bad case of Covid-19. After flying home to the UK, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
At 3am one morning, he woke up unable to walk and experiencing such intense pain he feared he was having a heart attack. His daughter, Tia, was called and subsequently contacted her mother, who arranged for an ambulance to take Lineker to hospital.
Diagnosis and Intensive Care Stay
Upon admission, doctors diagnosed him with chronic pneumonia, a dangerous inflammation of the lungs typically caused by infection. The condition is considered particularly risky for older adults. He was immediately admitted to intensive care, where he remained for a worrying ten-day period.
Lineker has since been moved to a respiratory ward and is now out of the immediate danger zone. He stated that he delayed announcing the news because of the overwhelming love and support he knew he would receive, which he finds difficult to respond to individually.
A Long Road to Rehabilitation Ahead
The businessman's recovery is far from over. He has disclosed that he still cannot walk and now faces an extensive period of rehabilitation. Medical professionals have advised him that he will require around two months of physiotherapy to regain his mobility.
While the NHS notes that most people recover from pneumonia within two to four weeks, cases like Lineker's underscore how the illness can be severe for some, requiring hospital treatment and leading to significant complications.
Lineker remains in hospital but is receiving visits from close family and friends. He expressed gratitude for the care he has received and a newfound confidence in his recovery path, despite the challenging journey ahead.
