US magician David Blaine was rushed to hospital Sunday evening after ending a 44-day fast, during which he was suspended above London's River Thames in a glass box, report agencies.

He survived only on water since he entered the 7 by 3 feet glass container September 5. The container, which was equipped with only a quilt, a pillow, a journal, a change of clothes and a photo of his mother, was then suspended by a crane next to the Tower Bridge, and had become an instant tourist attraction.

"I thank you so much. I'll love all of you forever," he tearfully told the several thousand strong crowd which greeted him with cheers and applause when the box was finally lowered Sunday evening.

"I learnt how strong we all are as human beings," he said. "Most importantly, I learnt to appreciate all the simple things in life such as the smile from a stranger, and the sunshine and the sunset."

During the first few days of his stunt, visitors tried many ways to harass Blaine, such as pelting golf balls and eggs into the cage, banging drums or merely abusing him. Someone even used a toy helicopter to dangle a cheeseburger in front of the magician's cage.

Many have criticised the stunt as pointless and  banal, saying many people worldwide go hungry without being paid for it. Blaine is expected to earn millions of pounds from book deals, lecture tours and advertising.