Reality Star's Emotional Plea for Ailing Mother
Gemma Collins has made a heartfelt appeal to her followers, requesting prayers for her beloved mother Joan who remains hospitalised with pneumonia. The 44-year-old former TOWIE star shared a poignant photograph embracing her 81-year-old mother at her bedside, describing the past week as the most challenging of her life.
In an emotional social media post accompanying the intimate snapshot, Collins expressed her profound distress, stating she 'didn't know if I was coming or going' during this difficult period. She extended gratitude to the medical staff at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for their exceptional care of her mother.
Previous Health Scares and Ongoing Battles
This isn't the first health crisis Joan Collins has faced. Last year, Gemma revealed her mother was rushed to hospital after she stopped breathing, with doctors delivering the devastating news that she might not survive. 'I was told she could die,' the reality television personality disclosed to The Sun, explaining that medical professionals had stated they would not resuscitate her mother if she experienced cardiac arrest.
During that previous hospitalisation, Joan required intensive care treatment, with Gemma sharing updates about her mother's condition through social media. She described the terrifying moment when 'my mum stopped breathing' and she had to call an ambulance, preparing for the worst possible outcome.
Understanding Pneumonia and Its Dangers
Pneumonia represents a serious chest infection affecting the small air sacs within lungs. The condition triggers inflammation and fluid accumulation in these sacs, significantly complicating the breathing process. This respiratory illness can be caused by various bacteria or viruses, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being among the most common culprits.
According to medical statistics, between five and eleven out of every thousand UK adults develop pneumonia annually. While anyone can contract the infection, certain groups face elevated risks including infants, elderly individuals over 65, smokers, and people with pre-existing heart, lung, or kidney conditions.
Gemma finds solace in music during this trying time, specifically mentioning that she and her mother have always shared a love for Madonna's work, which now provides her with much-needed emotional support.
The television personality continues to appreciate the outpouring of support from close friends and family members who have visited the hospital and maintained positive energy for her mother's recovery.
