Andrew Strawbridge (2nd from L) continues to improve in hospital © Getty Images

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After nearly two weeks in intensive care, Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge has spoken publicly for the first time since his near-death experience.

Strawbridge was admitted to Motootua National Hospital after falling ill on a flight to Samoa for the All Blacks-Manu Samoa Test on July 8. He was flown back to New Zealand in a critical condition by an air ambulance on July 10. Although his condition has improved and is now stable, Strawbridge isn't yet able to receive visitors.

A technical adviser for Manu Samoa, Strawbridge said he was still getting to grips with what had happened, describing it as "an absolute rollercoaster ride".

"It is only now that the events of the last two weeks have become clearer and I now realise how fortunate I am to be here," he said in a statement. "It's a very emotional time, and I know the road back is a long and challenging one."

He said the work done by Dr David Galler and his staff at Motootua National Hospital had saved his life. "I have a beautiful wife, three wonderful children and a very special mother and sister who still have me here thanks to Dr Galler and his wonderful team, and the team at Waikato Hospital."

Nearly $25,000 has been raised in an appeal on givealittle.co.nz set up by Strawbridge's family to provide medical equipment for Motootua National Hospital's intensive care unit. He said support for the appeal had been overwhelming, as had an outpouring of messages "from family, friends, the Chiefs whanau, the Manu Samoa aiga, New Zealand Rugby, the wider rugby network and complete strangers".

"It has been very touching," Strawbridge said. "The outpouring of support has been extremely humbling."

Dr Galler said from Samoa that his ICU team were thrilled to see that Strawbridge was well on the road to recovery, and were "deeply grateful" to his family for launching the appeal. "Our gratitude is clearly matched by that of National Health Service here and, if the local papers and television are an indication, of all of Samoa too," Dr Galler said.