Reality television icon Gemma Collins has bravely revealed she's still grappling with the aftermath of a life-threatening health crisis that left her fighting for survival.
The beloved TOWIE star, known to fans as 'The GC', contracted meningitis earlier this year, which rapidly developed into sepsis - a condition that claims thousands of lives annually in the UK.
The Terrifying Ordeal
"I'm still suffering," Collins confessed in an emotional interview, detailing how the illness has left lasting effects on both her physical and mental wellbeing. "People don't realise how serious this was - I could have died."
The 43-year-old media personality described the moment doctors delivered the devastating diagnosis, revealing the infection had triggered sepsis throughout her system.
Road to Recovery
Despite being discharged from hospital, Collins continues to experience lingering symptoms including severe fatigue, joint pain, and emotional trauma from the near-fatal experience.
"My body has been through hell and back," she shared. "The recovery isn't linear - some days I feel okay, other days it's a real struggle just to get out of bed."
Raising Awareness
Collins is now using her platform to educate others about the warning signs of both meningitis and sepsis, conditions where early detection can mean the difference between life and death.
"If my story helps just one person recognise the symptoms and get treatment sooner, then something positive will have come from this nightmare," she stated passionately.
The television star remains under close medical supervision as she continues her journey back to full health, surrounded by supportive family and friends who've been her "rock" throughout the ordeal.
