Nigel Pearson reveals he’s had to learn to walk again as he gives an update on his health with a moving social media post.
The 61 year old took to Twitter on Monday night, speaking of a ‘neurological situation’ that left him unable to walk, with this health challenge coming to light around October 2023 when Pearson was still managing Bristol City.
He had been using crutches for about a month before leaving his position there, but has since shared that over the last 13 months, he has faced significant challenges but has managed some improvements, such as cycling in the Peak District and practicing golf.
He has expressed gratitude for the support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals.
I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months. I’d like to update you. Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge. My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical… pic.twitter.com/VZhF6dLGej
— Nigel Pearson (@NigelGPearson) December 9, 2024
He wrote: “I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months. I’d like to update you. Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge. My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound.
“I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time, in Wisconsin.
“Recently, I’ve been able to cycle in the Peak District, and swing golf clubs at the driving range, although my follow through needs some work (I’ve not fallen over yet!)
“Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me that positivity and laughter can prove the best medicine as I experienced with old friends from school on a canal narrow boat on my birthday… there is always light somewhere ahead… new possibilities, new challenges.
“Take care of each other, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.
“Cheers, Nige”
“I know people know that I need a back op and that hasn’t changed,” he said to BBC Radio Bristol shortly before he was dismissed.
“But that’s not really the main problem for me at the minute. It’s a neurological situation – but I’m still awaiting further tests to find out what the prognosis is.
“The good news from my perspective is all the sinister possibilities, cancer etc, have been ruled out.
“What I don’t want to do is prolong it over five, six weeks.
“It’s just one of those situations where the symptoms that I have don’t match the scans in terms of the back, so we have to investigate other areas.”
A few weeks later, Pearson took to social media to thank the medical professionals who were looking after him while he was undergoing tests.
He added: “I would like to thank the incredible consultants, nurses, staff and medical students at Kings College Hospital, in London, where I am staying this week, undergoing numerous tests to help determine my future treatment, in the hope of making a full recovery.
“The staff here are a shining example of the excellence of our wonderful NHS. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, dedication, excellence, and making me plenty of cups of tea. Thank you. Cheers, Nige. x”
To my new home team @BristolCity, I thank our fans for your incredible support. Yesterday, you showed just how important our football team is to our community. Thank you. We will continue to develop your team, to make you proud. Cheers, Nige. #COYR 2/2 pic.twitter.com/BtQEgebpKT
— Nigel Pearson (@NigelGPearson) September 24, 2023
He tweeted on his departure from his last club to have managed, Bristol City, on the 30th of October 2023: “Dear Bristol City family, I would like to thank you, the fans, for your patience during a difficult period when COVID and changes have tested your resolve. I have been made so welcome in Bristol and the beautiful county of North Somerset, a place I simply adore…
“To my dear friends and colleagues at the training ground, and stadium on matchdays; thanks for your support, professionalism and humour, especially during difficult times…
“I’ve always hated workplaces where there are pecking orders, so to be with so many people who just get how important fun and support is, to obtaining meaningful output, has been simply brilliant. Sorry I’ll never make a Christmas do…
“To the players, thank you for the journey. Some have been present throughout, some for a short time, some no longer at the club, but all have played their roles. To the senior players; you are why many of the emerging stars will be so special. Always remember this…
“Thank you, I will see you in the Mendips, on the levels, and occasionally in a pub or two. My family and I have been so touched by your support. Take care, and good luck. Cheers, Nige. X”
Twitter users gave their reaction after Nigel Pearson reveals he’s had to learn to walk again as he gives an update on his health…
@BFC_ExPlayers: Wishing you all the very best Nige ! 👍😀⚽️
@Al_inDK: Good luck with the ongoing recovery Nigel – legend
@FoggingMozzies: You were a warrior on the pitch and so glad to see you putting up the same level of fight off it. Wishing you all the best. 🙏
@mathwivs: Great news Nige. Enjoy your Christmas and wishing you a happy and healthy 2025
@AlexMuz3: Keep going Nige and stay strong and positive 👍🏽 all the best 🔴🔴🔴
@tomxrawle: Lovely update Nige. Wishing you all the best for the future
@NewYorkFoxes: We love you, Nigel. Merry Christmas to you, your friends and your family (old and new!).
@1965Flow3r: Sounds like you’ve got great people around you. Keep the faith, big man take care you can do this 💪
@spyunited99: Inspirational. I had no idea Nige. Always like you, proper old school Gaffa. Wishing you love and all the best in your recovery. Sounds like you’ve got some lovely friends and family supporting you. All the best! 👍❤️
@barnesy5k: Top man Nige, keep fighting just like you did on the pitch. I had the photo of you lifting the League Cup on my GCSE Chemistry folder, loved that photo. 🦉
@Budfrog: Top Man Nigel – hope you continue to make progress – golf can be frustrating even when you are fully fit 😂⛳😤🍀
@mark120582: As a Boro fan I have huge respect for you. I had an issue where I had to learn to do everything again, and it’s challenging. It will be hard, bit keep fighting.
@sjllilley: Good to hear your update. Thank you for all you did at Bristol City and a very happy Christmas to you and your family and the very best for 2025.
@russhrew: Love your positivity Nigel. All the best to you and your family for the festive period and here’s to a better year in 2025.
@stuartsheffield: Keep fighting, skipper. Just like you always did for us.
@Brayer11: Nige, you are an absolute legend and what you have done for Bristol City will never go unnoticed. Shopping out players on big wages and playing the youth. Alex Scott for one. Have a cracking Christmas and New Year and stay safe and keep going. I still wish you were manager 😢👍🏻
Keep going nige ! Captain marvel ! pic.twitter.com/H3njAtl2wm
— Jim (@jimmboro) December 9, 2024
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