Jimmy Greaves out of intensive care following severe stroke, say family

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/07/jimmy-greaves-out-of-intensive-care-stroke

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The former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Jimmy Greaves is out of intensive care following a severe stroke on Sunday and is able to sit up in bed, according to his family.

“We can tell you that Jimmy is out of intensive care and is able to sit up in bed,” they said in a statement released on Tuesday. “Whilst he is by no means out of the woods there is room for cautious optimism.

“We would like to thank all the staff at the hospital who have been fantastic,” they added. “We would also give thanks to over 30,000 well wishers including many players and ex-TV colleagues as well as so many fans that have sent messages and love to Jim at this most difficult of times. The support shown has been amazing and heart warming.”

Greaves was admitted to intensive care on Sunday and on Tuesday his wife Irene disclosed that he was conscious and aware of the seriousness of his condition but that he was unable to speak. He suffered a minor stroke in 2012 but appeared to have made a full recovery.

Greaves, who was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame on 13 May at a sellout ceremony at White Hart Lane, scored 44 goals in 57 games for England and also scored a club record 266 in 379 matches for Spurs.