Former Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean has always been open about her health struggles,
but in a recent revelation, she shared details of a terrifying hospitalisation that left her fighting for her life.
The 54-year-old broadcaster previously faced a life-threatening blood disease and, more recently, suffered from severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and sepsis.
Through it all, her husband, Nick Feeney, remained by her side, offering unwavering support.
A Frightening Diagnosis That Changed Her Life
Andrea’s first major health scare came in 2016 when doctors diagnosed her with medium vessel vasculitis following a hysterectomy.
The rare condition causes inflammation in blood vessels, which can block the flow of blood to vital organs.
Reflecting on the moment she received the diagnosis, Andrea admitted it was a turning point in her life. Speaking to The Mirror in 2018, she said, “When you think life is coming to an end, you’ve never wanted to live so much. I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m not going to waste it.”
The experience pushed Andrea to reevaluate her priorities, leading her to take more risks and embrace life fully. “With the threat of a serious illness hanging over me, I now knew that I couldn’t hold myself back any longer,” she explained. “I didn’t want to look back on my life and wish I’d been brave enough to do something that was within my power to do, but a fear of failure held me back.”
Fortunately, doctors were able to treat her condition, and she was eventually given the all-clear. However, her health battles were far from over.
A Life-Threatening Health Scare in 2025
Andrea’s most recent health scare began in December 2024 when she developed flu-like symptoms. Initially, she believed it was just a common winter illness that would pass within a week. But as days went by, her condition worsened, with persistent fever, chills, and chest pain.
The situation took a terrifying turn when Andrea noticed that her urine had turned brown—a serious warning sign. Soon after, she collapsed in her bathroom, lying on the floor for an hour before her husband, Nick, found her. Recognising the severity of the situation, he immediately called emergency services.
“The ambulance team were amazing,” Andrea recalled in a heartfelt blog post. “My blood pressure was so low I couldn’t stand, and I was in a lot of pain. To be honest, I was barely aware of what was happening.”
Once at the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and sepsis—conditions that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The Road to Recovery
Andrea’s condition required urgent medical intervention, including IV fluids, strong antibiotics, and close monitoring. She was transferred to the Emergency Assessment Ward, where she remained for several days.
After being discharged, her recovery process continued as she had to return to the hospital daily for IV antibiotics and further tests. Despite the ordeal, Andrea remained positive and grateful for the care she received.
Throughout her recovery, her husband, Nick Feeney, was her rock. She expressed deep appreciation for his support, explaining how he put his own life on hold to take care of her.
“Nick’s life stopped for the first few weeks of the new year too,” she shared. “He drove me to hospital every day, sat outside for hours, then drove me home, made dinner, and put me to bed. And then did it all again the next day.”
A Renewed Perspective on Life
Despite the challenges she has faced, Andrea remains optimistic about the future. She credits her experiences with teaching her to appreciate life’s fragility and to embrace each day with gratitude.
Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention when something feels off. It also highlights the power of a strong support system, as Andrea acknowledges that having Nick by her side made all the difference during her recovery.
As she moves forward, Andrea continues to focus on living life to the fullest, refusing to let fear or past health scares hold her back. Her journey is one of resilience, love, and unwavering determination—a true testament to her strength and the deep bond she shares with her husband.
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