Kieron Dyer, a former star for Ipswich Town, claims that after receiving a liver transplant that changed his life, he is overcome with gratitude.
Dyer, 44, had a liver transplant after being identified as having primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019, a chronic illness that has no known treatment.
And Dyer confirmed that he underwent the procedure in a statement posted today on Chesterfield FC’s website, where he is now the first team coach under former Town manager Paul Cook.
“I was admitted to the Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge three months ago,” he wrote.
“A fortnight ago came the life-changing news that I was to be the recipient of a new liver, and would swiftly undergo a transplant. This morning I was discharged from hospital.
“Simply saying ‘thank you’ to the staff at the hospital feels insufficient. They have been extraordinary.
“Be it the nurses, porters, doctors or consultants, I have been blown away by the quality of care I received. I could not have been in better hands throughout, and my appreciation goes beyond words. I will never forget them.
“I know that the liver I have been given has come from someone of a similar age to myself and that is truly heart breaking.
“It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position a chance, and I will ensure I make the most of it. The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in, has no bounds and I feel blessed to leave hospital feeling healthier than ever.
“I would like to thank my family who have offered extraordinary support during what has been a very tough period, and whilst there will inevitably be bumps in the road ahead, I return home with my optimistic outlook that I worried would never return.
Strangely, football has been even more important to me during this time. I have watched more games from my hospital bed in the last three months, than in any other period of my life.
“I want to thank my hometown club Ipswich Town who have been in regular contact with me, and also Chesterfield, where I am on the coaching staff after joining towards the end of last season.
“A special thank you to manager Paul Cook, who has allowed me to participate even while I was in the hospital, where I watched every game as the boys rose to the top of the National League standings.
“In due course, I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but at this time, as I work to make what I hope will be a full recovery, I respectfully ask for privacy for myself and my family.”
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