Charlie Webster Is Discharged From Hospital, Following Malaria Battle In Rio De Janeiro

The sports presenter had been placed in a coma in hospital in Brazil.

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.

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Charlie was placed in a medically-induced coma by doctors in Rio
CharlieWebsterTwitter

“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.”

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Charlie documented her health problems in a blog diary prior to deteriorating in Rio
CharlieWebsterTwitter

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. 

Tap the first picture below to open our slideshow:

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Kylie Minogue moved to Paris for treatment for breast cancer following her diagnosis in 2005. She eventually gave some intensely revealing interviews about this dark period in her life, and said the 5-year anniversary would be a very important moment.
(02 of22)
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Delta Goodrem - was diagnosed at 18 with Hodgkins Lymphoma, an announcement that incited an outpouring of support from her particularly Australian fanbase.
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Leslie Ash became the unfortunate figurehead of the MRSA bug that plagued various UK hospitals after she caught the superbug. The actress was awarded £5m in damages, and still walks with a stick.
(04 of22)
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(05 of22)
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Olivia Newton-John's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has inspired the Australian singer to work tirelessly on behalf of others, including walking the Chinese wall to raise funds for her new Wellness Centre in a Melbourne hospital.
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Christopher Reeve was paralysed following his fall from a horse in 1995. Until his death a decade later, the actor dedicated his efforts to raising funds and advocating for political support to removing the blocks to essential stem cell research for spinal injuries.
(08 of22)
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Anastasia - the American singer discovered she had breast cancer during a standard mammogram ahead of breast reduction surgery in 2003. Following her own treatment, she immediately launched the Anastasia Fund to promote awareness among younger women.
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Anthony Andrews - was hospitalised in 2003 for "a salt imbalance". This came about as the unexpected consequence of drinking too much water while performing on stage during a hot weather spell in London.
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Mariah Carey's husband Nick Cannon was struck down with liver failure in January this year. Following his recovery, he has made public the lifestyle changes he needs to make to ensure continued health.
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Sharon Stone - suffered a stroke in 2001, the seriousness of which was played down at the time, but which actually saw bleeding into her brain for nearly a fortnight. The actress only regained feeling in her left leg months later.
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Madonna broke several bones in 2005 when she fell from a horse, and suffered further bruising falling again in 2009...
(18 of22)
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(19 of22)
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Cheryl Cole - malaria charities everywhere found their profiles shot up when the Girls Aloud singer caught the illness during a trip to Africa in 2010.
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