Charlie Webster has finally been allowed home, 10 days after returning to the UK from Rio, where a rare form of malaria left her fighting for her life.
The sports presenter and Olympics Team GB ambassador has issued a statement with the good news that she has been discharged from hospital, following a terrible few weeks which saw her placed in a medically-induced coma in Brazil.
She says: “I can’t thank the NHS and all the medical team at St James’s Hospital in Leeds enough.
“The doctors, nurses, tropical diseases team – they’ve talked me through everything that has happened to me and really helped me to understand the seriousness of what I’ve been through and how hard my body has fought.
“I’m thrilled to be discharged to continue my recovery. After weeks in isolation in hospital, I’m really looking forward to the little things, like being able to sit in the fresh air, with a cup of tea!”
On her Instagram page, she adds a message to her well-wishers: “I am so grateful for all your messages of support and to my family and friends who have been my side throughout. Massive love.”
Charlie was due to be one of a group of Team GB presenters working in Rio with a variety of broadcasters.
She originally fell ill back in July while she was undertaking a 3,000-mile charity bike ride from the UK to Brazil, with problems she detailed in a diary blog, however, she briefly rallied enough to attend the Olympics Opening Ceremony in Rio. Her health swiftly deteriorated, and she was placed in a coma by doctors, while her mother and brother flew from the UK to be with her.
Since returning to the UK, she has been tended by doctors at St James’ Hospital in Leeds.
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