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    I woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in my arm after nearly dying on a flight… I feared the worst, says Frank Bruno

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    FRANK Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight — admitting: “I feared the worst.”The British boxing legend, 63, recalled feeling feverish before blacking out.Frank Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flightCredit: Louis WoodFrank’s PA took a snap of the star as they prepared to take off on the ill-fated flightCredit: FacebookBritish boxing legend Frank in his heydayCredit: GettyHe woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in his arm and worried PA Paul Hunter at his bedside.Unknown to Frank, he had been taken off the plane in a wheelchair after it landed, stretchered to a medical centre and then rushed off by an emergency ambulance.Talking for the first time about his mid-air health drama, the former world heavyweight champion said: “I did fear the worst because I have never been like that in my life.“If Paul hadn’t been there, I don’t think I would have been sitting here doing this interview with you.”Frank and Paul were on a Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3.As they prepared for take-off, Paul took a snap of Frank, which the star then shared online.They were due to take a connecting flight from Doha to Thailand, where four meet-and-greet speaking events had been lined up.But Frank became feverish and disorientated 2½ hours after take-off.Worried Paul, 59, alerted crew who found the now-delirious dad of four’s temperature was rising and his oxygen levels dropping.They alerted medics at Hamad International Airport.Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic actionSoon after being taken off the plane, Frank was heading to Al-Wakra Hospital, ten miles away — with Paul fearing it was “touch and go”.Frank was treated there for two weeks for a mystery virus.He was allowed to return home only after a doctor jetted out from London, passed him fit to fly and accompanied him back.Frank told The Sun: “I was excited to be going to Thailand. “I felt really good.“But on the plane, I was just agitated and couldn’t chill out. “I got up to go to the toilet and all of a sudden I forgot what was happening to me.’I just blacked out’“I had a fever but don’t really remember what happened at all. “It was crazy. “I’ve never had a problem on a flight in my life.“I just blacked out because next thing I knew, I woke up and I was in bed in hospital with a drip in my arm. “Paul was by my side and I just didn’t know what was going on.“I was wondering, ‘What the hell am I doing here? I’m supposed to be in Thailand’, you know what I mean? “I was surrounded by nurses and couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying.”Fan favourite Frank with his PA Paul HunterCredit: Louis WoodFrank was speaking at the Frank Bruno Foundation — his Northampton-based charity that offers those suffering mental health problems an eight-week programme including exercise to boost their well-being.He has made full recovery since his ordeal and looked in great shape due to his improved exercise regime at his home gym and a nearby fitness centre where he has a new personal trainer.During the chat, the much-loved fighter, known for his booming laugh, cracked jokes and did impressions.But he confessed he had struggled with having to stay in a hospital bed for two weeks.’My life was on the line’He had scans on his body and brain, and a lumbar puncture procedure which ruled out meningitis.He said: “I had a lot of energy and I was getting out and walking around.“I just wanted to move, and the doctors were b*****king me for getting out of bed.” As he had not cleared passport control, Frank had no belongings and could not discharge himself to leave the country.He said: “I realised I had to stay there for my health — because my life was on the line.“As for (contacting) family and friends, Paul was doing all the work, you know what I mean? I wasn’t allowed a phone.“And I felt bad because there’s a lot of British people in Thailand who had bought tickets and a lot of people involved who were disappointed. “I’ve been to Thailand before and I have a laugh over there.I feel very good about the tour. I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.Frank Bruno“I bought a load of suits last time I was over there so I was planning to buy some more — some brightly coloured suits, but it never happened.“Hopefully I will get over there to see my fans soon.”PA Paul spoke to their insurers Zurich, which arranged for the UK-based doctor to fly out and return with them in business class.Frank was given VIP treatment to whisk him through airport controls.He said: “I was OK but just felt a little bit weak.”He spent another two weeks in a private hospital in London. Frank went on: “I was at least able to eat, go to the gym, watch TV and go for walks around Hyde Park. “I came out feeling very strong again.”He was buoyed by the public support after we revealed the drama on March 21. He said: “It was very nice to get cards, calls and messages.”He is now set for some of the British dates that had to be rescheduled. And he reassured fans: “I feel good, very, very good — I was up at 5.30 this morning training.”Frank added: “I feel very good about the tour. “I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.” More

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      Frank Bruno health update after mid-air emergency saw him fall ‘seriously ill’ on flight & spend weeks in hospital

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      FRANK Bruno has made a “dramatic” recovery after being struck down on a flight to the Far East and spending weeks in hospital.Boxing legend Bruno plans to attend the Conor Benn v Chris Eubank Jnr bout in London this weekend – and return to his national speaking tour next month.Frank donned his signature grin and with his sunnies at the ready on his flight bound for ThailandCredit: FacebookGlory days: Frank mid-tussle with heavyweight rival Mike TysonCredit: AFPIt comes after we told how ex-World Heavyweight champ Bruno, 63, was rushed to the hospital in Qatar after falling ill on a long-haul flight on March 3.He was treated by medics in the country’s capital, Doha, for several weeks after the mid-air drama as he travelled to Thailand.Doctors diagnosed him with a viral infection and did not allow Bruno, whose PA, Paul Hunter, stayed by his side, to leave the hospital.National treasure Bruno was feared to have contracted meningitis at one point, and was also treated when he returned to the UK.Read more Sport The star was too ill to pick up a Lifetime Achievement gong at the British Boxing awards at the end of March, but plans to make public appearances from next month.A source said: “Frank was in a bad way for a long time and people were worried – but is now thankfully fighting back to fitness.”His recovery has been as dramatic as his illness, and he is looking forward to the fight on Saturday.”He is well enough to be ringside and will doubtless chat to fans at the event.Most read in Other Sports”Frank really wanted to be there and obviously knows both Benn and Eubank’s fathers as well as the fighters themselves.”He has spent Easter with family and friends and thankfully is now on the mend.Lennox Lewis swapping swipes with Frank for the WBC heavyweight title 1993, in CardiffCredit: GettyStanding tall: Frank with his hard earned WBC belt on 1st November 1995, LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty”Frank is looking forward to getting back out and about and is really grateful to his fans and the public for their support.”Dad of four, Bruno has been sent thousands of ‘get well’ cards by the public since we told you last month of his mid-air health battle.In a recent social media post, he said: “I am getting better and have been told to convalesce for a few weeks.”Thank you for all your messages, I now have enough for two new chapters of a book – the last month has been eventful!”After he fell ill on March 3, Bruno was treated on the Qatar Airways flight, then by airport medics after landing in Doha.He was then whisked 10 miles to the Al Wakra Hospital, where baffled medics eventually diagnosed a viral infection.Bruno has not cleared passport control so could not leave, and stayed in the hospital in the Middle East for two weeks, before flying home and continuing his recovery in the UK.The star had been due to talk at four events in Thailand but suffered “fever-like” symptoms on the connecting flight to Doha.As he boarded the plane at Heathrow, he had posted a picture of himself in his seat, smiling and with sunglasses perched on his head.But he fell seriously ill soon after take-off.Bruno is now set to make a private appearance at an event on Wednesday, May 7, before public appearances three days later in Norfolk and on May 17 in Bradford.Read More on The SunHis national speaking tour marks the 30th anniversary of Bruno’s WBC heavyweight triumph over Oliver McCall at Wembley in 1995.Our source added: “In typical Frank fashion, he was worried about letting fans down in Thailand – but that should not happen with his UK events.”30YRS ON FROM EPIC WORLD WINBy Michael HamiltonFRANK Bruno’s planned UK tour this year will celebrate 30 years since his greatest achievement — beating Oliver McCall to land the WBC heavyweight title.He outpointed the American in front of a frenzied Wembley crowd in September 1995 — landing the world crown on his fourth attempt.Londoner Frank had made his professional debut in 1982 and became a fan favourite, winning 21 consecutive bouts by KO.He also enjoyed a long-standing TV double act with BBC boxing presenter Harry Carpenter.He popped up on TV shows, Comic Relief appeals and appeared in pantos, with the nation loving his “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase.His first world title loss came against Tim Witherspoon in 1986, before defeats to Mike Tyson in 1989 and Lennox Lewis in 1993.After beating McCall, his first defence was against Tyson, who stopped him in round three.Bruno suffered eye damage in the 1996 fight and retired — with a career record of 40 wins from 45 bouts, 38 by knockout.The star has been open about his battles with mental health since quitting.He helps others via his charity The Frank Bruno Foundation, and his book 60 Years a Fighter was published to mark his birthday in 2021.The Sun was invited to the landmark bash, with tributes from stars including Tyson, Stephen Fry and Ricky Hatton. More

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      ‘I didn’t think I’d make it – Stuart Pearce recalls harrowing brush with death as partner thought ‘he’d pegged it’

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      STUART PEARCE didn’t think he would “make it” and his partner believed “he’d pegged it” during his horrendous aeroplane health scare. The ex-England defender, 62, needed his heart restarting after his horror scare at 30,000ft. Stuart Pearce appeared on This Morning to discuss his health scareCredit: RexPearce told his wife he ‘didn’t think he would make it’ to HeathrowCredit: ITVVirgin cabin crew hero Zoe Anderson joined them in the ITV studioCredit: ITVSunSport revealed the football legend fell ill during a flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow.Pearce needed emergency medical treatment on the plane from first aiders and the flight was diverted to Newfoundland, Canada so he could be taken to hospital, where he was kept in for eight days.He has made a full recovery from the virus that affected his heart and returned to talkSPORT commentary duties for England’s win over Albania last Friday.And now he has appeared on This Morning to relive his ordeal – and be reunited with the woman who helped save his life. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPearce said: “At the airport my chest felt a little bit tight, a little heavy. “It felt like someone was sat on my chest and tried to sleep it off.”But after a couple of hours, and I should have picked my wording better, I said to Carol, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make Heathrow.'”I meant without telling the cabin crew. Carol thought, ‘He’s pegged it. He’s done.’Most read in Football”I was in and out of consciousness. I can’t speak highly enough of the crew. I thought an aeroplane was the worst place in the world to fall ill. “We can only as a pair say thank you very much. The professionalism was brilliant.” Football legend Stuart Pearce gives update after health scare on flight Pearce started wincing in pain in the economy section on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamline during the Virgin Atlantic Flight VS156 after attending the rugby league clash between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors in Vegas.His wife Carol was alongside him during the worrying scenes as staff checked on him, gave him oxygen and hooked him up to an ECG machine.The cabin crew was in constant contact with a doctor, who monitored the readings on the ground.His resting heart rate was 155bpm and before flying for hours over sea, it was decided to land the plane in Newfoundland so he could receive specialist treatment.Pearce watched Forest’s 1-0 win over Manchester City from the hospital, including the fans’ tribute for him at the City Ground.The remaining 225 passengers arrived at Heathrow six hours later than scheduled – but Carol was scared her man would never make it back home. Sat alongside Pearce in the ITV studio, she said: “It was very unusual [for him to make a fuss about his health].”Other than man flu which is clearly a huge deal, for him to say he was in pain, that immediately made my blood run cold because you think this is serious.”Stuart doesn’t do being ill, doesn’t do pain. “He once played with a broken leg.”Zoe Anderson was leading the cabin crew on the Virgin flight and kept her composure to ensure Pearce got the help he needed.That even included giving them a care package with blankets as they got off the plane as the temperature in Canada was -11C – compared to 23C in Las Vegas. Stuart and Carol were joined by Anderson live on ITV as the Virgin staff member recalled the decision-making process in the air. Anderson said: “We are trained to deal with these situations – we are prepared. I did an initial assessment.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He said his pain was an eight out of ten so that rang some alarm bells. “We took a few different readings and they were all abnormal so we didn’t want to be over the Atlantic.”Pearce showed his appreciation to the staff memberCredit: ITVThe trio recalled the events on the flight from Las VegasCredit: RexPearce was in good spirits despite the recent ordealCredit: RexPearce said the diagnosis was a virus that affected his heartCredit: ITVPearce and Anderson pose together after being reunitedCredit: RexFans paid tribute to ‘Psycho’ during the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City matchCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League striker Demba Ba lined up for shock job at top-flight club

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Demba Ba has been lined up for a sporting director’s job at a top-flight club in France.Stade Rennais are considering replacing their current director, Frederic Massara, with ex-Newcastle and Chelsea striker Ba. Demba Ba has been lined up for a sporting director’s job at a top-flight club in FranceCurrent Rennais sporting director Frederic Massara (left) is set to leave the club after one yearBa has kept busy since he hung up his boots in 2021. In 2023, he became a minority owner and director of football at Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque. The club have been enjoying an impressive season, outperforming their sparse means. The fourth placed side are challenging for promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the club have reached the Coupe de France semi-final, where they will face holders Paris Saint-Germain.And now it seems Ba’s work has been noticed by Ligue 1 side Rennais.It has been a disappointing stint in the north of France for former AC Milan director Massara, who only joined the club in early July. Massara has borne the brunt of a failed summer transfer window, which saw the club spend more than £66million on unproven players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe signed a lot of young players, many of whom have since been moved on, such as Jota, Albert Gronbaek, and Glen Kamara. Gronbaek was shipped out to Prem strugglers Southampton in January.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clash And former Arsenal youth star Kamara was loaned to Saudi side Al Shabab after six months at the club.While Jota is currently starring for Celtic.Rennais sit 12th in Ligue 1, with nine wins from 26 games.Despite interest in Ba, RC Strasbourg Alsace’s Loic Desire remains the firm favourite to take over from Massara, according to L’Equipe. Ba spent one season with Chelsea in 2013-2014 and is remembered for his cool finish after Steven Gerrard’s infamous ‘slip’ at Anfield.The French-Senegalese star capitalised on Gerrard’s mistake to dent Liverpool’s title hopes in dramatic fashion.Ba spent one season with Chelsea in 2013-2014Ba’s first stint in the Prem was with West Ham, joining in January 2011 with the Hammers struggling against relegation.He scored seven goals in 12 league appearances for the club, including braces away at West Brom and Wigan, but he could not prevent them from the drop.READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to a clause in his contract, he was allowed to leave on a free at the end of the season.Newcastle ended up signing him on a free transfer in 2011, and he quickly made a name for himself as a deadly finisher. More

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      Stuart Pearce reveals cause of terrifying health scare at 30,000ft which led to his heart being ‘restarted’

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      ENGLAND icon Stuart Pearce has told how medical staff restarted his heart after his 30,000ft plane emergency.The Sun revealed how the football legend’s health scare this month led to his London-bound flight being diverted to Canada.England icon Stuart Pearce has told how medical staff restarted his heart after his 30,000ft plane emergencyCredit: The SunPearce made a full recovery and was commentating for TalkSport for England’s 2-0 win over AlbaniaThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe 62-year-old, nicknamed Psycho, said yesterday: “My heart was racing a little bit.“The medical staff on the plane were magnificent and they made the decision after three hours to drop me off in St John’s in Newfoundland.“The hospital staff there basically stopped my heart and restarted it again to put it back into a normal rhythm.”He told The Sunday Times: “I had five days there and another five days in a hotel waiting for the medical care, so an extra ten day’s holiday.READ MORE ON STUART PEARCE“They think it was caused by a virus.”The Three Lions ace had been travelling back from Las Vegas on March 2 after watching his beloved rugby league team Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors.After finally returning to the UK, the TalkSport pundit told the station: “I went to meet my maker last week . . . but he said your time’s not up big fella and sent me away.“But in all seriousness, I’m in good form.Most read in Football“On the flight I had chest pains but I was looked after fantastically.”The former left-back has made a full recovery and was commentating for England’s 2-0 win over Albania last Friday.Football legend Stuart Pearce gives update after health scare on flight More

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      Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic action

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      BOXING legend Frank Bruno was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight.The former world heavyweight champ was left “in a really bad way” as he headed off on a speaking tour.Frank Bruno smiles for a photo on a plane before falling seriously illCredit: FacebookBoxing legend Frank was feverish and ‘in a really bad way’Credit: Louis WoodBruno retired from boxing after his 1996 defeat to Mike TysonCredit: GettyThe father of four, who was feverish, was treated by airport medics after landing in Doha, Qatar, before he was whisked to a hospital ten miles away for a series of urgent tests.Dad-of-four Frank, 63, had posed for a photo before the mid-air drama this month. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with a viral infection — and kept him in for nearly two weeks, taking his passport so he could not try to leave.Last night his manager said he was recovering and looking to return to work “as soon as possible”. Read more on Frank BrunoBruno had been due to talk at four events in Thailand so took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to Doha.He posted a picture of himself in his seat, smiling with sunglasses perched on his head.He wrote: “Morning so the Frank Bruno World tour continues. Up early for a plane, I don’t sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzs.”But Bruno, travelling with his PA Paul Hunter, became ill soon after take-off, with crew alerted to his plight.Most read in BoxingA source said: “Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way and they were unsure what the problem was.“It was extremely worrying as it was mid-flight so he was stuck on the plane.Boxing legend Frank Bruno trades blows with the mental health minister – as she visits him at his charity foundation“Paul and Frank thought it might be food poisoning, but it turned out to be worse than that.“Frank was in a bad way and was sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms.“Paul was worried but was doing his best to keep him calm. He was treated on the flight to Doha, in the airport and then at the hospital.Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flightA source“Doctors were really worried and carried out all sorts of tests, including for meningitis. They then diagnosed him with a viral infection, which at least meant they could start treating him.”Bruno — who recently starred in Amazon Prime documentary Four Kings alongside fellow Brit fighters Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank — was due to start his Thailand tour on March 6.But he was forced to cancel as medics kept him at the Al Wakra Hospital until he improved.His PA — UB40’s former tour manager — stayed with him and kept loved ones informed.Boxing champ Frank with wife Laura in 1995, who he split from in 2001Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe boxing great was awarded an MBE for services to the sport in 1990Credit: Getty Images – GettyFrank took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to DohaCredit: AlamyFrank — awarded an MBE for services to boxing in 1990 — is now “on the mend” and has returned to Britain. Our source went on: “Frank was severely ill but, thankfully, got good treatment in Doha.”The hospital he was at is very modern and the biggest in Qatar, and he was in good hands. He and Paul were grateful to the medics for the way they looked after him.“They had to monitor him really closely when he first came in, and that’s why they took his passport.“They feared Frank might think he was better before he was and try to discharge himself.“But Frank was too ill to leave anyway, as he battled the infection.“By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leave.“But they did not take any chances and let him leave only when his condition had improved.”Bruno’s Thailand tour was scheduled to kick off in Pattaya, before more dates with fans in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Koh Phangan.Our source said: “In typical Frank fashion, he was more worried about supposedly letting his fans down.By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leaveA source”He is massively popular in Thailand and a lot of expats go to his shows. But there was nothing he could do.“Thankfully he’s now on the mend.”However Bruno’s management has cancelled a scheduled appearance on Sunday at Manchester’s Hotel Football.It is hoped he will be able to fulfil UK tour commitments in May and June, including an “Evening With” bash at Birmingham City FC.Bruno hung up his gloves in 1996 after a defeat to Mike Tyson.He then struggled after quitting and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998, before splitting with wife Laura in 2001.Bruno is now a mental health campaigner. He told The Sun in 2021 that he was sectioned — for a fifth time — during lockdown.He spent six weeks in hospital after family and friends feared for his safety — and Bruno bravely admitted: “I hit rock bottom.”Sources said his Qatar ordeal was not linked to mental health issues.His manager Dave Davies said: “Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha.”Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFrank’s scare came after England footie legend Stuart Pearce spent five days in hospital due to chest pains on a flight home from the US. Stuart is now “in good form” recovering.30YRS ON FROM EPIC WORLD WINBy Michael HamiltonFRANK Bruno’s planned UK tour this year will celebrate 30 years since his greatest achievement — beating Oliver McCall to land the WBC heavyweight title.He outpointed the American in front of a frenzied Wembley crowd in September 1995 — landing the world crown on his fourth attempt.Londoner Frank had made his professional debut in 1982 and became a fan favourite, winning 21 consecutive bouts by KO.He also enjoyed a long-standing TV double act with BBC boxing presenter Harry Carpenter.He popped up on TV shows, Comic Relief appeals and appeared in pantos, with the nation loving his “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase.His first world title loss came against Tim Witherspoon in 1986, before defeats to Mike Tyson in 1989 and Lennox Lewis in 1993.After beating McCall, his first defence was against Tyson, who stopped him in round three.Bruno suffered eye damage in the 1996 fight and retired — with a career record of 40 wins from 45 bouts, 38 by knockout.The star has been open about his battles with mental health since quitting.He helps others via his charity The Frank Bruno Foundation, and his book 60 Years a Fighter was published to mark his birthday in 2021.The Sun was invited to the landmark bash, with tributes from stars including Tyson, Stephen Fry and Ricky Hatton. More

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      Stuart Pearce reveals medics ‘shoved a tube down his throat’ as he relives horror health scare on trans-Atlantic jet

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      STUART Pearce has opened up about his health battle after falling ill during a transatlantic flight.The former England ace turned pundit described having chest pains on his way back from Las Vegas before doctors had to “stick a tube” down his throat and dramatically “reboot” his heart.Stuart Pearce on talkSPORT this afternoonPearce is in good spirits after he suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ftCredit: The SunThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationFans had been rooting for the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since we told how he became ill during a Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow.The father-of-two, 62, appeared on talkSPORT today as he continues his recovery, having been discharged after spending five days in hospital.Speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan at midday, he said: “I feel brilliant in myself and have done since probably mid last week, to be quite honest with you. “I’m in really good hands. The people in the hospital have been magnificent.”READ MORE ON THIS STORYHe said his insurers are looking at how to get him home to the UK, explaining he needs a “medical chaperone”.”Over the next day or so, hopefully,” he added.During the flight, Pearce was hooked up to a monitor as he began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156.First aiders treated Pearce, whose partner watched helplessly as the drama unfolded.Most read in FootballThe decision was made to divert the flight to St John’s on Newfoundland where the star was helped off the plane.Describing the health scare itself, Pearce told talkSPORT: “On the flight I had chest pains, so the crew on Virgin were brilliant and looked after me fantastically.”England great Stuart Pearce suffers health scare on trans-Atlantic flight forcing jet to make emergency landing in CanadaHe continued: “My heart rate was racing, my resting heart rate was anything above 155 bpm so that was ridiculous, really.”My heart wasn’t pumping enough blood around the system and had some swelling…”At the end of the week, on Friday, they said we’ll stick a tube down your throat, if there’s no swelling around your heart we’ll stop your heart and reboot again and that’s exactly what they did.”My heart went back to a normal rate and I left the next day.”He’s been able to watch some football as he recovers, saying: “I’ve been fortunate enough to watch a few games – the Forest game against Man City was very humbling.”Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support.”The former full-back, who played for Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Man City, received 24/7 care but has been out of hospital now for several days.’IN GREAT SPIRITS’During Saturday’s Premier League game between Forest and City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute. Pearce wore the number ‘3’.Sam Matterface, a talkSPORT colleague, told listeners: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits.”He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case.”But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!'”Pearce, who won 78 England caps, had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Vegas in the first rugby league Super league match in the US.A source previously said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.“It was very clear the situation was serious.“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled.Pearce has opened up about his health scareCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Stuart Pearce health update after England legend fell ill on LA flight forcing it to make emergency landing

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      LEGENDARY former footballer Stuart Pearce is in good spirits while he recovers from a recent health scare.The England icon and former gaffer fell ill during a flight from Las Vegas to London Heathrow on Monday.Stuart Pearce is reportedly in good spirits after he suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ftCredit: The SunTalksport’s chief football commentator Sam Matterface today provided an update on the charismatic hardman’s condition.“I spoke to him yesterday, he was in great spirits,” Matterface said.“He isn’t 100 per cent – that is definitely the case.“But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.read more in football“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!’Stuart’s flight had to be diverted to St John’s in Canada where he was rushed to a nearby hospital after falling ill.Virgin Atlantic crew had hooked up the Three Lions hero and talkSPORT pundit, 62, to a monitor 10,000 feet as shocked passengers looked on.The 62-year-old had jetted into Vegas to watch his beloved Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors.Most read in FootballA source previously said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.“It was very clear the situation was serious.“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled. More

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      England great Stuart Pearce suffers health scare on trans-Atlantic jet forcing it to make emergency landing in Canada

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      ENGLAND football legend Stuart Pearce suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ft.Crew hooked up the Three Lions hero and talkSPORT pundit, 62, to a monitor as shocked passengers looked on. Stuart Pearce suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ftCredit: The SunThe talkSPORT pundit was hooked up to a monitor by the cabin crew as shocked passengers looked onCredit: TWITTER @talksportThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow was diverted to Canada where Pearce is said to be recovering in hospital.A source said: “He was clearly in a lot of pain.”The star’s worried partner and passengers spotted him wincing in pain several hours into the flight.Staff on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner checked him constantly and decided to change course to land at St John’s in Canada early on Monday.Read More on SportMedics rushed on board and took the former Nottingham Forest defender to hospital where he is recovering.He and his partner had been in the economy section of Flight VS156 that left the US at 8.45pm last Sunday.A source said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort. Most read in Football“It was very clear the situation was serious.“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous. Tony Cascarino & Stuart Pearce recall hilarious memories during Irish Sun’s Goals Live event“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled.Pearce had flown to Vegas to watch his rugby league team Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors. He has been a fan since striking up a friendship with ex-Wolves coach Tony Smith.Pearce had been due to speak at Christ The King Parish Centre in Coventry last night.But the venue said that “due to unforeseen circumstances” he had been replaced by ex-England teammate John Barnes.Dad Pearce was an England favourite, earning the nickname Psycho for his ferocious tackling.He missed a penalty in the 1990 World Cup semi-final shootout with West Germany and left the pitch in tears.But at the 1996 Euros he smashed home his spot-kick in the quarter-final penalties win over Spain and roared in delight.He won 78 England caps and was briefly caretaker boss. He coached the U21s from 2007-13.He began his playing career at Wealdstone then Coventry, later signing for Forest, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESA Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said last night: “Due to an unwell customer on board, the VS156 on March 2 flying from Las Vegas to London Heathrow diverted to St John’s International Airport, Canada, and was met by the medical services. “The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our number one priority and we apologise for the delay to our customers’ journey.”The Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow was diverted to CanadaCredit: Getty More