Ian Rush's Terrifying Health Battle and Liverpool's Lifeline
Liverpool icon Ian Rush has candidly shared the harrowing experience of facing a life-threatening super-flu last December, which landed him in intensive care and left him fearing for his life. The former striker described the ordeal as "the worst hat-trick" of his career, a chilling combination of Covid-19, a severe flu strain, and a sudden asthma attack that made him feel "like he was drowning."
A Brush with Mortality
Rush spent six critical days at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where he grappled with panic and uncertainty. "I was telling myself: 'No, I’m not ready to go, I need to keep fighting. This can’t be the end,'" he recalled. His partner, Carol, a trained lifeguard, played a pivotal role by keeping him breathing until NHS professionals took over, an intervention he praised as "brilliant."
Remarkably, the 64-year-old discovered he had asthma during this crisis, when doctors inquired about his history with the condition. "I told them I didn’t know I did," Rush admitted, highlighting how the episode exposed underlying health issues he had previously ignored.
Liverpool's Gesture of Support
Amidst the turmoil, Rush received a heartwarming gesture from Liverpool, the club where he cemented his legacy. "Liverpool got in touch while I was ill and said they wanted to do what they could to help," he revealed. The club organized a four-week recuperative break in Dubai, aiming to shield him from the harsh British winter. "You don’t realise how dangerous cold weather is until you get older," Rush reflected, expressing deep appreciation for the concern shown.
This support mirrored the care extended to fellow legend Alan Hansen during his own serious illness, underscoring the club's commitment to its former stars. Rush noted that such experiences foster greater awareness of mortality, especially as youth gives way to age. "When you are young you think you are invincible, don’t you?" he mused.
Long-Term Impact and Recovery
The scare prompted Rush to reassess his lifestyle, acknowledging he had "put off" health-focused changes. Now, he embraces a more grateful outlook: "When people say to me I deserve [praise for my achievements], my attitude now is going to be: 'You know what, yes I do, and I’m so happy I have it.'"
Rush, who scored 346 goals across two spells at Liverpool and was Wales' leading scorer until 2018, responded well to treatment and returned home by Christmas. He credits his strong recovery to Carol's unwavering support, following the breakdown of his marriage in 2012.
As a key figure in Liverpool's 1980s dominance, Rush's story not only highlights the perils of respiratory illnesses but also the enduring bonds within football communities, offering a poignant reminder of resilience and camaraderie in times of crisis.
