Sheffield-born sports presenter thanks fans for support during illness

Sheffield-born sports presenter Charlie Webster has thanked fans for their support while she has been seriously ill in Rio.
Charlie WebsterCharlie Webster
Charlie Webster

The 33-year-old, who attended Tapton School, ended up in a coma and on a life support machine after contracting a rare strain of malaria as she rode from Britain to Brazil ahead of the Olympic Games.

The Sheffield United fan and Sky and BBC TV presenter was part of a group which completed a 3,000-mile charity ride, which ended in Rio in time for the Olympics.

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But Charlie was admitted to hospital after feeling unwell, with medics initially believing she was dehydrated after the gruelling six-week ride.

She was later found to have contracted a rare form of malaria and was put on a respirator to help her breathe.

She also needed dialysis when her kidneys stopped working.

But she is now conscious and dictated a Twitter post from her hospital bed, which was posted on Monday.

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It reads: "I've been told that I have thousands of messages of love and support to read once I'm better, so thank you very much.

"The last 16 days have been hell, although I don't remember most of them.

"I am getting stronger each day and look forward to watching all the Olympic highlights.

"I hear that TeamGB triumphed."