Australian music icon Molly Meldrum, best known as the host of Countdown and for his regular music spots on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, has released the first photo of himself since his fall before Christmas last year landed him in hospital.
Meldrum was rushed to hospital fighting for his life last December after falling while putting up Christmas decorations at his home in Richmond.
He suffered a skull fracture, bruising and swelling to his brain, a broken collarbone, shattered shoulder blade, fractured vertebrae and broken ribs in the accident and has also suffered post-traumatic amnesia.
Speaking to News Limited wearing his trademark hat, Meldrum revealed that he was well on his way to recovery but still had some time left in hospital before he would be ready to return home.
“Although I am not ready yet, I can’t wait to go home to look after Ziggy [his dog], to see my friends, and to properly thank them, my family and the hundreds of people who sent their best wishes and love to me,” Meldrum said in a statement.
“Believe it or not while I can’t say I like being hospital, I know I have been very well supported, and I have enjoyed meeting other patients and their families. We all have a fair bit of rehab ahead of us and we encourage each other in the exercise programs.
“I have missed everybody, missed my work, missed having access to a phone and my laptop – but I know I can re-introduce these things gradually as I get better.”
Meldrum also expressed support for his friend, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who was one of the first to come out to express her support for Meldrum, but is currently facing a battle to hold on to power. “I even received a card from Julia Gillard, so I wish her all the best,” he said.
“I hope she’s having a better time than I am. I have been incredibly well-looked after at both the Alfred and Epworth hospitals. The staff have been tremendous and I am very grateful.”
