Wayne Lineker, the British entrepreneur and brother of sports presenter Gary Lineker, has delivered a positive health update after a gruelling six-week battle with severe pneumonia. The 63-year-old confirmed he has "beaten" the illness and will be discharged from hospital, though his release comes with a bittersweet timing.
A Boxing Day Homecoming After Health Scare
In a video recorded from his hospital bed while wearing a Christmas hat, Wayne Lineker shared the news with his followers on Wednesday. He revealed he is set to go home on Boxing Day, having successfully fought off the serious lung infection. However, he confirmed he will spend Christmas Day itself in Basildon Hospital to complete a final two-day course of intravenous antibiotics.
"Guys, I just got the news. I'm going home! But not until Boxing Day," he said. "I have beat pneumonia!! After undoubtedly the toughest six weeks of my life I will go home Boxing Day. Unfortunately, I will spend Christmas Day in hospital... But very happy."
He extended his gratitude to the medical staff, stating: "Thank you to all the incredible doctors and Nurses at Basildon hospital."
A Second Severe Attack and a Life-Threatening Ordeal
This update follows a frightening period where the nightclub owner's health took a dramatic turn for the worse. Last week, Lineker disclosed that he had been rushed back to hospital by ambulance after suffering a second severe pneumonia attack. This occurred just four days after he was initially discharged with medication.
He had been at home under the care of his son, Sean Lineker, when his condition deteriorated. "While being cared for at home by my son @seanlineker1 I had to be taken back to hospital by ambulance - thank goodness he was there," Wayne wrote at the time.
The entrepreneur had previously undergone an operation on his lung to alleviate intense pain and admitted he had almost lost his life. He described it as a near-death experience, highlighting the severity of his condition.
Linking Health to Lifestyle Changes
In his earlier health posts, Lineker offered a potential explanation for his body's struggle to fight the infection. He suggested his immune system has been compromised since he stopped drinking alcohol and became sober earlier this year.
"The good news is that it appears to have nothing to do with my heart and is more likely linked to my immune system, which hasn’t been the same since I stopped drinking alcohol," he explained. He noted experiencing multiple infections during rehab and that, nearly six months sober, this drastic lifestyle change remained a "significant factor."
Despite the challenging prognosis of spending Christmas in a hospital ward, Lineker maintained a positive outlook, vowing to stay until fully recovered. His latest update confirms that perseverance is paying off, with a homecoming now firmly in sight for the day after Christmas.
