Charlie Webster has returned to the UK for further malaria treatment.
The 33-year-old sports presenter was left fighting for her life in Rio after contracting a rare strain of malaria, but has now flown home on a specialist plane, accompanied by a team of medical professionals who cared for her during the 20-hour journey.
Her condition is described as stable but serious and she will now receive treatment in a private ward at St James’s Hospital in Leeds.
Charlie described the last few weeks as "hell" and admitted she felt "grateful" for the treatment she has received in Brazil – where she had flown out to cover the Olympics – but is glad to be home now.
She said in a statement: "I’m so grateful to the staff at Copa D’or hospital in Rio for the care I received, they saved my life.
"I have the most wonderful family and friends supporting me and the well wishes from the public has been incredible … I’m happy to be home."
Charlie fell ill during the games’ opening ceremony after completing a gruelling 3,000-mile charity cycle ride from London.
As her condition deteriorated, she was put into a coma by doctors and also placed on dialysis as her kidneys were not responding to treatment.
Her mother Joy previously revealed that Charlie has even been communicating from her bed and was aware of the seriousness of her condition.
She said: "Charlotte knows she nearly died, she mouthed to me earlier ‘look at all the machines keeping me alive.’
"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.
"It’s been the worst imaginable time – we have been beside ourselves with worry, but the fact Charlotte is now conscious is amazing."
Charlie Webster back in the UK
