Henri Sannier, renowned French television presenter, known for his longtime work with France Télévisions and for hosting sports shows, has recently shared his personal struggle with chronic illness following his retirement. Once the face of evening news, Sannier's life took a dramatic turn three years after his retirement, when, at the age of 77, he was diagnosed with chronic polyradiculoneuropathy after suffering from a cycling accident.
The accident occurred when Sannier, passionate about cycling, was riding by the Somme River. Reflecting on the event, he recounted, "Un jour où je faisais du vélo tranquillement sur le bord de Somme... j'ai oublié que je n'avais pas priorité. Et boom, je me suis emplafonné une voiture." After this incident, his health deteriorated quickly, culminating with the diagnosis at the hospital.
According to reports, Sannier's life transformed drastically: he described his condition as leading to "une vie de légume" where mobility became nearly impossible, requiring him to live on medical apparatus and confining him to his ground floor due to his inability to climb stairs. He vividly recalled, "Je ne pouvais pas prendre de douche par exemple, c'est un truc tout bête. Chez moi la douche est au premier étage." The limitations posed by his illness, both physically and emotionally, weighed heavily on him.
Yet, Sannier's spirit remained resilient through his trials. "On tient en rêvant," he said, as he found solace by closing his eyes and reflecting on joyful memories of his career, pondering his first evening news broadcast with Alain Delon and his notable journalistic achievements.
After months of struggle, there was finally some glimmer of hope. During one harrowing night, he felt compelled to reach for medication, which set off a chain of determination. "C'était prévu dans ma tête," he explained, recounting how using furniture for support led to the first steps toward recovery, saying it was like hearing the call to "lève-toi et marche"—"get up and walk." This moment was pivotal, encouraging him to take small steps toward regaining his mobility.
Crucial to his recovery were his family, particularly his grandchildren. Their love and encouragement provided him with the strength and desire to overcome his challenges, leading Sannier to say, "Les enfants et les petits-enfants ont été très importants. La petite qui s'est mise à applaudir, c'était le cadeau de ma vie quoi." This connection kept him rooted during trying times and reminded him of the beauty of life beyond the confines of illness.
Through his memoir, titled Le jour où j'ai appris à marcher, published on February 5, 2025, Sannier not only relays the heart-wrenching details of his condition but also emphasizes the importance of family connections and the simple joys of life. He noted, "Il n'y a pas que ça dans la vie. Il y a les repas du dimanche en famille... des petits clins d'œil des gamins et des enfants qui viennent vous offrir un dessin." This depiction of life sheds light on his values—prioritizing joy, family gatherings, and the fleeting moments spent with loved ones.
Looking back on his road to recovery, Sannier confessed, "Je ne suis pas encore complètement guéri, et je ne le serai peut-être jamais." Acknowledging the remnants of his condition, he expressed how simple daily tasks, like buttoning clothing or tying shoe laces, felt monumental—a reminder of how far he has come and the challenges yet to face.
At the end of the day, Henri Sannier remains deeply connected to his home region of Picardie, finding strength from nature and the simple life surrounding him. "Je suis un vrai campagnard... Il est hors de question que je quitte un jour la Picardie," he proclaimed, reflecting on his roots as foundational to his identity and resilience.
With this narrative of strength, love, and determination, Sannier hopes to inspire others grappling with health issues, showing them the importance of enduring hope and support from the ones they love.