Blaine recovers from 44-day starvation

LONDON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Illusionist David Blaine is recovering in a private hospital after ending his 44-day starvation while being suspended in a Perspex box in London.

About 10,000 people gathered Sunday night near the area by London's Tower Bridge to see the 30-year-old American leave the box weakened by his apparent endurance test during which he said he only drank water, the BBC reported.

"This has been one of the most important experiences in my life," Blaine said, before breaking down into sobs during a live program on Sky News' Sky One.

"I have learned more in that box than I have in years, I learned how strong we all are as human beings, he said. "Most importantly I learned to appreciate all the simple things in life such as the smile from a stranger, and the sunshine and the sunset."

Professor Marinof Elia, from the University of Southampton, said Blaine could risk serious injury or sudden death if extreme care is not taken once he re-introduces food to his system.