Kieron Dyer has been released from hospital after undergoing a ‘life-changing’ liver transplant.
The former England and Newcastle star, who also appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is incurable.
He underwent successful surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and has told fans he feels ‘healthier than ever’.
Dyer said: ‘In 2019 I was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition for which there is no cure.
‘Since that day I knew I would need a transplant. Three months ago I was admitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Former England international Kieron Dyer has been released from hospital after undergoing a ‘life-changing’ liver transplant
Dyer, who also appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2015, had been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, an incurable disease.
Dyer played for a number of clubs with his biggest stint coming at Newcastle, where he made 251 appearances between 1999 and 2007.
‘A fortnight ago I received the life-changing news that I would be receiving a new liver and a transplant soon. This morning I was released from the hospital.
‘Simply saying ‘thank you’ to hospital staff doesn’t feel enough. They were extraordinary.
‘Whether it is the nurses, porters, doctors or consultants, I have been impressed with the quality of care I received.
“I couldn’t have been in better hands, and my appreciation goes beyond words. I’ll never forget them.’
Dyer revealed in October 2021 that he needed a liver transplant after being diagnosed a few years earlier.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare condition that affects the bile ducts and can leave scarring.
Former British tennis number one Elena Baltacha died of liver cancer in 2014 – four years after she was diagnosed with the same disease as Dyer.
Dyer (center) said in a statement that he feels ‘healthier than ever’ after the ‘life-changing’ procedure
Dyer was working as under-23 manager at Ipswich Town when the news was first confirmed.
In Ipswich’s statement at the time, Dyer said: ‘Unfortunately a few years ago I was diagnosed with a liver condition which would result in me needing a transplant one day.
‘Over the next week the test results will confirm when I need to go through this procedure.
‘I see myself as a very positive person who will overcome this small setback.’
His liver transplant comes just under two years after Dyer announced he needed the procedure.
After undergoing the procedure, he also added, “I know the liver I received came from someone the same age as me, and that’s really heartbreaking. It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position an opportunity, and I will make sure I make the most of that.
‘The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in knows no bounds and I feel blessed to be able to leave the hospital healthier than ever.
Former British tennis number one Elena Baltacha died of liver cancer in 2014 after being previously diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis four years earlier.
‘I would like to thank my family who have provided extraordinary support during a very difficult period, and while there will inevitably be bumps in the road, I return home with the optimistic outlook that I feared would never return.
‘Strangely enough, football has been even more important to me during this period. I have watched more games from my hospital bed in the last three months than in any other period of my life.
‘I would like to thank my hometown club Ipswich Town, who have been in regular contact with me, and also Chesterfield, where I have been part of the coaching staff after joining the club at the end of last season.
‘My special thanks go to manager Paul Cook, who gave me the opportunity to contribute even from hospital, where I watched every game as the boys battled their way to the top of the National League .
‘In due course I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but I respectfully request privacy for myself and my family at this time as I strive to make a full recovery.’
The former midfielder retired from football at the age of 34 after an injury-hit career. He came through the ranks at Ipswich, making 117 appearances during two spells at the club.
In 1996 he moved to Newcastle for £6.5 million. During his time at the club he scored 36 goals in 251 appearances and went to the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 European Championship. He subsequently played for West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough.
However, he decided to end his 17-year playing career and move into coaching after being released by Middlesbrough.
Dyer then took up an academy coaching role at his first club Ipswich Town in 2014.
He is currently the first-team coach at National League side Chesterfield.