Daniel Andrews reveals he can now walk 18 minutes a day during recovery following fall last month


Dan Andrews reveals he is now walking 18 minutes a day in Easter Sunday message as he reflects on ‘a pretty painful time’ after slipping on wet stairs and breaking several ribs

  • Daniel Andrews has revealed he is making ‘steady progress’ following horror fall 
  • The premier tweeted on Easter Sunday that he’s now walking ’18 minutes a day’
  • He thanked Victorians for their support during ‘what’s been a pretty painful time’
  • Mr Andrews broke rips when slipped on stairs at a Mornington Peninsula rental 

Daniel Andrews has revealed he’s making ‘steady progress’ in his recovery after he slipped over and broke his ribs and back. 

The Victorian premier posted an update on Twitter that he was back on his feet and now walking 18 minutes a day following his horror fall last month. 

‘I’m making steady progress and being diligent with my physio exercises,’ he tweeted on Sunday. 

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews posted an update on Twitter thanking Victorians for their support during the Easter season

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews posted an update on Twitter thanking Victorians for their support during the Easter season

He tweeted a photo of a card from the Victorian Egg Decorating Guild wishing him well during his long recovery (pictured)

He tweeted a photo of a card from the Victorian Egg Decorating Guild wishing him well during his long recovery (pictured)

‘Also building up my walking and am up to about 18 minutes on my daily walk.’ 

Mr Andrews extended his gratitude to Victorians who sent him support during the Easter holidays for his ongoing recovery. 

‘Thanks for all your messages of support over the past couple of weeks,’ he tweeted alongside a photo of a card and some chocolate eggs. 

‘They’ve really helped to keep my spirits up in what’s been a pretty painful time.’  

The premier narrowly avoided permanent spinal cord damage when he slipped on the wet steps of a rental beach house on the Mornington Peninsula last month.

Mr Andrews (pictured) said he is making 'steady progress' in his recovery after his horror fall last month

Mr Andrews (pictured) said he is making ‘steady progress’ in his recovery after his horror fall last month 

The Victorian premier on Easter Sunday revealed he is now walking 18 minutes a day

The Victorian premier on Easter Sunday revealed he is now walking 18 minutes a day

He was rushed to hospital on March 9, after suffering five broken ribs and an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra. 

Mr Andrews was then transferred to a specialist trauma centre at The Alfred hospital before announcing he would take a leave of absence.   

‘It’s been a long, painful and difficult week,’ he wrote at the time.

‘My doctors also want me to get rest and undertake a comprehensive program of physiotherapy. That’s why I will take a leave of absence from my duties for at least six weeks.’ 

‘These are serious injuries that require me to wear a brace throughout each day except when sleeping.’

Mr Andrews was released from hospital on Sunday, March 14, and is undergoing his rehabilitation process at his Melbourne home through Alfred Health’s Better@Home service.   

Mr Andrews (pictured, back) is undergoing his rehabilitation process at his Melbourne home through Alfred Health's Better@Home service

Mr Andrews (pictured, back) is undergoing his rehabilitation process at his Melbourne home through Alfred Health’s Better@Home service 

The Victoria premier (pictured with wife Cath) was rushed to hospital when he fell on wet stairs outside a house his family rented on the Mornington Peninsula

The Victoria premier (pictured with wife Cath) was rushed to hospital when he fell on wet stairs outside a house his family rented on the Mornington Peninsula

He also revealed that one doctor told him ‘you are very lucky to be here in one piece’ and urged him to buy a lotto ticket.

‘I’m not sure about the Tattslotto ticket but I’m certain that with rest, continued high quality care and the support of family, friends, colleagues and the Victorian community, I’ll be back doing the job I love as soon as possible,’ Mr Andrews said.

Deputy Premier James Melino will continue to act as premier.  

Mr Merlino, who has been deputy premier since 2014, sought to reassure Victorians he would be able to fill Mr Andrews’ shoes for a longer period if required.

‘We made a commitment back in 2014 when we first came into government to not waste a day,’ he said.

Daniel Andrews fractured his T7 vertebrae (in red), which is in the middle of the spine

Daniel Andrews fractured his T7 vertebrae (in red), which is in the middle of the spine

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