London ? New York magician David Blaine emerged Sunday from 44 days of isolation in a clear plastic box, 50 pounds lighter and buoyed by crowds celebrating the conclusion of his self-imposed starvation stunt.

Thousands of people watched the 30-year-old Blaine leave the box, which was suspended by a crane, after it was lowered to the banks of the Thames River. After living on only water since Sept. 5, Blaine was taken to a hospital for examination.

“This has been one of the most inspirational experiences of my life,” Blaine said feebly, pausing and looking as if he might pass out. “I have learned more in that box than I have learned in years. I have learned how strong we are as human beings.”

Blaine shuffled as he took his first steps on solid ground, and was helped to a stage by attendants.

Cheering crowds filled the small park near London’s Tower Bridge and lined the riverbanks to see Blaine in the final few hours of his latest endurance feat in a box measuring 7 feet-by-7 feet-by-3 feet.

Paul Kenny, a medic at the site, said Blaine would undergo blood tests at a private hospital and be given fluids intravenously before moving onto blended foods. Getting to solid foods could take days, Kenny said.

“If you look at him, he looks great, but I suspect he’s been living on adrenaline,” Kenny said.

Blaine has previously been buried alive and encased in a block of ice, and said his latest feat was both the hardest and “the most beautiful” thing he’s done.

U.S. illusionist David Blaine removes a cover as he prepares to end his 44 days without food inside the clear plastic box suspended in the air near London's Tower Bridge. Blaine ended his stunt Sunday night.