Leslie Ash has issued a health update 20-years after she contracted an MSSA superbug that nearly left her unable to walk.
The actress, 64, won a record £5million compensation payout in 2008 after contracting the hospital-acquired infection.
She had been admitted to hospital in April 2004 after suffering two cracked ribs after falling off her bed during a love-making session with husband, ex-footballer Lee Chapman.
But it was while she was in hospital for this injury that she contracted a ‘deadly strain’ of the MRSA superbug because of an abscess that had developed in her spinal column – which could have left her permanently unable to walk.
Leslie revealed she was only given a ‘slight hope of recovery’ by doctors, who thought she’d be wheelchair-bound by the time she was 60 due to a life-changing spine condition.
Leslie Ash, 64, has issued a health update 20-years after she contracted MSSA superbug that nearly left her unable to walk
Now 20-years later, Leslie spoke to Charlotte Hawkins and Richard Madeley on Good Morning Britain about her current health state
Against all odds, the Quadrophenia star has bounced back and rarely relies on a trusty walking stick, let alone a wheelchair.
Now 20-years later, Leslie spoke to Charlotte Hawkins and Richard Madeley on Good Morning Britain about her current health state.
She said: ‘I will never be the same as I was, obviously. But yeah, It is 20 years exactly and It’s fine.
‘I love working still, I can still do bits. Nowhere near what it was before but I’m feeling really really really good. I’m very healthy.’
She added: ‘They said I’d be in a wheelchair by the time I was 60 but I think, I’m ver lucky. You know, my husbands helped me with my rehab and getting me into the gym.
‘And really making sure that I stay fit. You’ve got to keep your core strong. There are so many things you have to do, mentally as well.’
The Men Behaving Badly star previously admitted she needed ‘mental strength’ to keep fighting her condition, but has defied doctors expectations.
Leslie, who was given a bleak prognosis following the string of unfortunate events, told The Sun: ‘They said I’d be in a wheelchair by 60 because of my terrible hips and knees. I was only given a slight hope of recovery but because I wanted it enough I was able to achieve what I have today.’
She had been admitted to hospital in April 2004 after suffering two cracked ribs after falling off her bed during a love-making session with husband, ex-footballer Lee Chapman (pictured in 2007)
But it was while she was in hospital for this injury that she contracted a ‘deadly strain’ of the MRSA superbug because of an abscess that had developed in her spinal column – which could have left her permanently unable to walk
Leslie revealed she was only given a ‘slight hope of recovery’ by doctors, who thought she’d be wheelchair-bound by the time she was 60 due to a life-changing spine condition
Leslie is renowned for her role in British sitcom Men Behaving Badly (pictured with Martin Clunes (top left) Caroline Quentin (bottom left) and Neil Morrissey (top right)
Back in 2008, Leslie successfully sued the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and won an astonishing £5million in compensation, as she had contracted the antibiotic-resistant MSSA form of the infection after an epidural needle came loose.
The payout was so hefty because there was a belief she would not return to ongoing TV roles – and the compensation reflected the future loss of earnings.
Of the importance of staying optimistic, the Oxfordshire-born star said: ‘If I sat down and did nothing I’d be in a wheelchair now, without a doubt. You need a lot of mental strength to keep fighting.’