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Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster is finally out of hospital after Rio malaria coma

Host was fighting for her life after being struck down with malaria just weeks ago but is now on the mend

SPORTS broadcaster Charlie Webster has been discharged from hospital - a month after she fell critically ill in Rio.

The Sun revealed the 33-year-old Team GB ambassador was fighting for her life and had been placed in a medically induced coma after being struck down by a rare strain of malaria just four weeks ago.

 Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster is finishing her malaria recovery at home after going into a coma in Rio de Janeiro
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Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster is finishing her malaria recovery at home after going into a coma in Rio de JaneiroCredit: Tim Stewart

But after returning to the UK just 10 days ago, she has now been allowed to return home.

In a statement, Charlie said: “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.

 She was initially treated for dehydration but soon struggled to breathe and needed kidney dialysis
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She was initially treated for dehydration but soon struggled to breathe and needed kidney dialysisCredit: PA:Press Association
 NHS doctors have explained to her how serious her illness was so she knows she will have to take it easy
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NHS doctors have explained to her how serious her illness was so she knows she will have to take it easyCredit: PA:Press Association

“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!”

 She contracted malaria after a 3,000 mile cycle ride to Rio to raise money for a cancer charity
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She contracted malaria after a 3,000 mile cycle ride to Rio to raise money for a cancer charityCredit: Tim Stewart
 She clearly enjoyed her first few days in Brazil but missed almost all of the Olympics due to her condition
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She clearly enjoyed her first few days in Brazil but missed almost all of the Olympics due to her conditionCredit: Tim Stewart

Charlie, who has worked as a presenter for Sky Sports, was treated for dehydration on August 6 but her condition swiftly deteriorated and six days later she was unable to breathe unsupported and needed dialysis.

Her mum and brother flew out to the Brazilian city to be by her bedside when she was placed into a coma, which she eventually came out of almost a week later.

 Charlie has regularly presented Sky Sports coverage
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Charlie has regularly presented Sky Sports coverage

She was deemed well enough to fly back to the UK on August 30 in a specialist medical plane, when she entered a private ward at St James’s Hospital in Leeds.

Charlie is now staying with her family and will continue to be treated as an outpatient while her kidneys recover.

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