Leslie Ash, 65, makes a rare appearance using a pink walking stick at Lido Festival for Charli XCX headline show after sharing health update

On Saturday, Leslie Ash, who seldom appears in public, was spotted at the Lido Festival, utilizing a vibrant pink cane for support.

Actress who played the lead in Men Behaving Badly, aged 65, recently provided an update on her health, having been affected by a potentially debilitating MSSA superbug twenty years ago, which almost took away her ability to walk.

However, in an update from April, the star revealed insights into her health situation. She shared that contrary to doctors’ predictions, she is not confined to a wheelchair at age 16, largely due to her commitment to rehabilitation and frequent workouts at the gym.

At the recent Lido Festival held in London’s Victoria Park, Leslie maintained a laid-back style upon her arrival – an event renowned for its eco-friendly approach, featuring a primary stage powered entirely by renewable energy sourced from wind and solar power.

Leslie donned a roomy, white shirt and paired it with fitted, dark blue denim jeans that stopped just above the ankle, along with a set of pink sneakers. She was casually dressed while attending the festival alongside her husband, retired footballer Lee Chapman, who is 65 years old.

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Leslie reflected on the incident that changed her life earlier this year.

In April 2004, she ended up in the hospital due to breaking two ribs when she fell off the bed while sharing an intimate moment with her husband, Lee.

However, during her hospital stay due to the injury, she unknowingly caught a severe form of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) because of an abscess that formed in her spine. This complication might have resulted in her being permanently disabled and unable to walk.

Leslie learned from her doctors that her chances of getting better were minimal and they expected her to use a wheelchair once she turned 60 because of a serious spinal issue.

In my expertise, I must commend the resilience shown by the legendary actor from Quadrophenia. Remarkably, he seldom needs a cane to aid his stride, and it’s quite rare to see him in a wheelchair.

Or,

As a lifestyle expert, I find it inspiring to observe the remarkable recovery of the star known for Quadrophenia. Not only does he manage without the constant support of a walking stick, but a wheelchair is a sight seldom associated with him.

In 2008, she received an unprecedented £5 million in damages, having contracted the illness while under hospital care.

Twenty years down the line, I found myself sharing my wellness journey with Charlotte Hawkins and Richard Madeley during an appearance on their Good Morning Britain show in April. It was a privilege to open up about my present health status.

As a lifestyle expert, I can confidently say that I’ve certainly evolved over the past two decades. However, I find peace in acknowledging that change is natural, and it’s perfectly okay. After all, growth is an integral part of our journey through life.

I continue to enjoy my work, albeit not at the same pace as before. However, I feel incredibly well and am in excellent health.

She commented: “People predicted that I would be in a wheelchair by the age of 60, but I feel incredibly fortunate. That’s because my husband has been instrumental in helping me with my rehabilitation and encouraging me to go to the gym.

I’m committed to maintaining my physical fitness, focusing particularly on my core strength. It’s crucial for both physical and mental well-being, given the numerous tasks I need to accomplish.

Previously, the actress from Men Behaving Badly acknowledged that she required mental resilience to battle her health issue, yet she surpassed what doctors anticipated.

In response to a grim outlook after a series of misfortunes, Leslie shared with The Sun, “They predicted that I would require the use of a wheelchair by the age of 60 due to my severely damaged hips and knees.

Initially, my chances of recovery were minimal, yet my strong desire for it propelled me forward, enabling me to accomplish what I have today.

In 2008, Leslie filed a lawsuit against Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and was awarded a staggering £5 million in damages. This was because she developed a drug-resistant strain of MSSA infection following a loose epidural needle that caused the infection during her treatment.

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it like this: The payoff turned out to be substantial due to the assumption that she wouldn’t rejoin her television commitments in the future. Consequently, the remuneration was designed to cover the anticipated reduction in her future income.

As an ardent devotee, let me share a powerful insight from this remarkable Oxfordshire-native: ‘Had I succumbed to idleness and inaction, I would undoubtedly be confined to a wheelchair today.’ In simpler terms, it’s all about the power of optimism and perseverance.

‘You need a lot of mental strength to keep fighting.’

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2025-06-15 16:18