NEIL RUDDOCK was told he could drop dead and die at any moment after he was sent to a specialist while filming Harry Redknapp's new television show.
Ruddock was one of a group of former footballers Redknapp cobbled together to whip into shape for a two part ITV documentary called Harry's Heroes.
The team of ex-England stars were being cobbled together to get fit to face a German side in a match for the programme.
But Redknapp was so concerned about the health of 50-year-old former Tottenham and Liverpool defender Ruddock he sent him to see a heart specialist.
And the Mirror say the prognosis was Ruddock's life was at threat and he needed to begin treatment immediately.
Dr Enam Abood told him on the show: “Your good cholesterol is weak and your bad cholesterol is higher than it should be.
"Given your lifestyle and your family history, we've really got to do something quite drastic about that – and I'm talking about medication to protect you.
“If I don't intervene, you are at a risk of having a heart attack and a stroke.
“Razor, you cannot afford to take this lightly please.”
The news had a dramatic impact on Ruddock and his wife Leah Newman, who have two daughters together aged 11 and eight.
Leah said: “It was really shocking in there.
"She basically said he could drop dead at any minute and I'd be on my own with the children. So it's hit home, what we need to do – and we'll do it.”
Ruddock immediately set about changing his lifestyle having lost four stone preparing for the documentary - and with a history of heart problems in his family he is taking the warning seriously.
He said: “Men are scared to get bad news.Both my older brothers have got problems. One's got a stent. It is in my family.
“You think it'll never happen to you, but it can. I'm happy I've seen the doctor.
“It can be resolved, so I'm happy we got there in time.”
New football TV documentary Harry's Heroes: The Full English pokes fun at the weight of retired athletes
zasekopy
0
the ealier klopp leaves the better foor us.
u must love Hodgson dont ya?
Dasbcopr
0
can you improve gentleman,,
Hodiknopry
1
I've been a Liverpool fan since Keegan"s time. I cannot remember much abt Ruddock other than he is the only English defender in line. How can he be a legend. Now Alison is growing to be world best shot stopper, please credit Grobbelaar a legend, Liverpool owes too much to him.
Sadbdkuz
0
the ealier klopp leaves the better foor us.
don't be stupid.
kahadenops
0
the ealier klopp leaves the better foor us.
kanagwafred6
1
sorry really but we wish him a nice recovery.
Lfc-2019
0
must only train little bit more
SINGAM23
6
Obesity can be resolved in very definite. Don't worry Neill Ruddock, things will get better
Vezonic22
1
Yes he is Obese, Check when he was a Player and now, from the photos you would wonder how he became so big after Retirement.
😂😂😂😂 hmmmm
Justihno
0
I have seen people way bigger than he is and oMG, living life to the fullest in spite the risk. He is big but really calling him obese got me like 🤔🤔. Hope he drops some of dem weight.....if it will save his life.
Yes he is Obese, Check when he was a Player and now, from the photos you would wonder how he became so big after Retirement.
HalaHussein007
2
Take care of yourself big man
Vezonic22
5
I have seen people way bigger than he is and oMG, living life to the fullest in spite the risk. He is big but really calling him obese got me like 🤔🤔. Hope he drops some of dem weight.....if it will save his life.