Liverpool Football Club legend Ian Rush has opened up about a terrifying health battle with the so-called 'superflu', an aggressive flu strain, which led to a hospital dash and left him convinced he "was a goner".
A Terrifying Night in Cheshire
The 64-year-old former Wales striker was rushed to hospital earlier this month after collapsing at his home in Cheshire due to acute breathing difficulties. Rush spent approximately 48 hours in intensive care followed by three more days on a general ward before being discharged in time for Christmas.
Rush recounted waking at 2am struggling to breathe and deciding to make a cup of tea while waiting for a pre-booked doctor's appointment later that morning. His condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting a call to emergency services. Paramedics treated him for an hour and a half, after which he felt improved and declined hospital admission.
"Within 10 minutes of the ambulance leaving, I collapsed again," Rush revealed. "This time I honestly thought I wasn't going to survive. I was on the floor gasping for breath. I was panicking."
Fiancée's Calming Influence Proved Crucial
During the agonising wait for a second ambulance, Rush credits his fiancée, Carol Anthony, a 42-year-old singer from Ireland, with helping him through the crisis. "Carol got me through it all by telling me how to try and calm down and breathe more easily. She was fantastic," he said.
When paramedics returned, they found Rush on the floor, pale and in need of resuscitation. He was given oxygen and transported under blue lights to the Countess of Chester Hospital, just miles from his home.
Rush, who has been with Carol since 2012 following the breakdown of his marriage to Tracey Rush, emphasised her unwavering support during his recovery. "Carol stayed by my bedside every night without fail," he added gratefully.
NHS Under Strain Amid Severe Flu Season
Rush's ordeal coincides with a severe 'superflu' epidemic placing immense pressure on NHS services across the UK. Several hospital trusts have declared critical incidents due to exceptional patient numbers.
Key developments include:
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust declaring a critical incident at four sites.
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust also declaring an incident, with Royal Stoke Hospital and Stafford County Hospital facing "extremely high demand".
- Health officials warning this could be the worst flu season on record in the UK, with cases spiking across Europe.
Patients are being urged to use A&E departments only for life-threatening conditions.
Thankfully, Rush, Liverpool's all-time leading scorer with 346 goals across two spells at Anfield, made a full recovery. He also thanked his former club for their support, stating, "Liverpool Football Club were fantastic and provided the support and love which made everything so much better. They are a family club after all."
