Rio 2016: Sports Presenter Charlie Webster brought out of coma for tests after contracting rare strain of malaria
Former Sky Sports presenter was initially diagnosed with dehydration after falling ill on 6 August
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Your support makes all the difference.The TV presenter Charlie Webster has been brought out of a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Rio, in Brazil, after contracting a "rare strain of malaria", her agent has said.
The former Sky Sports News presenter who hosted ITV's Tour Series cycling race earlier this year became unwell on 6 August after watching the Olympic opening ceremony.
The 33-year-old was admitted to hospital where doctors initially thought she was dehydrated after completing her six-week 'Ride to Rio' challenge.
Ms Webster posted a picture of herself on Twitter from her hospital bed on 9 August where she said she was recovering from a "serious infection".
However, she did not post anything else and an update was shared on 11 August saying Webster had been diagnosed with “a severe complication caused by a bacterial infection”.
A spokesperson for Webster confirmed she is on life support after being diagnosed with malaria. Later, it was said she had been taken out of a medically-induced coma for tests and was being kept conscious.
She is being kept on dialysis as her kidneys are not responding to treatment and is being supported by a respirator, but doctors said they are very happy with Webster's neurological results" after performing a number of cognitive tests.
Her mother said in a statement that Webster had spoken to her family: "Charlotte is really strong but as the doctors keep reminding me, everyone heals differently. I am just so thankful that she's able to communicate with us again."
Ms Webster presented coverage of the women’s boxing at the 2012 London Olympic Games. She was due to stay on in Rio as part of Team GB's ‘Great Britons’ campaign featuring Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and model Jodie Kidd.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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