Kieron Dyer, a former star for Ipswich Town, says receiving a liver transplant has changed his life and left him feeling incredibly grateful.
Dyer, 44, required a liver transplant after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic illness that has no known cure.
Furthermore, Dyer disclosed that he had the procedure in a statement posted on Chesterfield FC’s website today. Dyer is currently the first team coach there, working under former Town manager Paul Cook.
He wrote: “I was admitted to Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital three months ago.
“I received the incredible news two weeks ago that I would soon receive a new liver and would be undergoing a transplant. The hospital released me this morning.
Saying “thank you” to the hospital staff doesn’t seem like enough. They really have been amazing.
“The level of care I received, from the nurses to the doctors to the porters, has amazed me. Throughout, I couldn’t have asked for better care, and I am so grateful. I will always remember them.
It is extremely painful for me to know that the liver I was given was from someone my own age.
“Those in my situation have a chance because of the kindness and generosity of others, and I will make the most of it. I am incredibly grateful for my current situation and consider myself fortunate to be leaving the hospital in better health than before.
“I want to express my gratitude to my family for their incredible support during this extremely trying time. Although there will undoubtedly be setbacks along the way, I am returning home with the positive outlook that I was afraid would never leave.
Oddly, during this time, football has become even more significant in my life. In the last three months, I have watched more games from my hospital bed than I have in any other time in my life.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Chesterfield, where I joined the coaching staff at the end of the previous season, and to my hometown team, Ipswich Town, who have been in constant communication with me.
“I want to thank Paul Cook, the manager, for enabling me to help even from the hospital, where I’ve watched every game as the boys have climbed to the top of the National League standings.
“In due course I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but I respectfully ask for privacy for myself and my family at this time as I strive to make what I hope will be a full recovery.”
