A WOMAN who was given a 30 per cent chance of living after being struck by several illnesses is on the road to recovery.

Joanna Grattidge, 48, from Weymouth, has recently suffered from swine flu, double pneumonia, bronchitis, sepsis, and deep vein thrombosis.

The mum of two and grandmother of four spent 25 days in hospitals after being found unresponsive in her home in March.

Joanna said: "I popped into town to do a few jobs. I just felt a bit dizzy and sick. I thought I was just feeling unwell.

"Then I came back home. The next thing I remember is waking up three weeks later."

After being found by her husband Tim, Joanna ended up in Dorset County Hospital's intensive care unit and received ventilation.

At this point, Joanna was not suitable to receive assistance from an ECMO machine.

This life supporting machine allows blood to bypass the heart and lungs, allowing them to rest and get better.

By Good Friday, Joanna's condition had deteriorated. Tim was told by a consultant to bring in Joanna's relatives.

Tim said: "He basically told me to come in because he didn't think things were looking very good and Joanna had basically got a 30 per cent chance of survival."

Due to Joanna's worsening condition, a team from Guy's Hospital, London, were contacted and visited her in Dorchester.

She was put on the ECMO machine and taken to London after a bed became available.

As the infections were treated, Joanna began responding.

A week later she was taken off the ECMO machine but left sedated and receiving ventilation.

At this time, she was also returned to the intensive care unit at Dorset County Hospital. The following day the ventilator was removed and Joanna was woken up.

Tim said: "Nobody ever wants to see their wife or any other member of the family on a life support machine.

"The dedication [of the staff] was just second to none. Nothing was too much to do. Nothing was hidden. Everything was honest and open."

Joanna, who described the experience as 'surreal', said: "I got the very best care I could have ever dreamed of."

She was discharged from Dorset County Hospital in April and has continued her recovery at home.

Joanna and Tim will celebrate their 25th anniversary in August. Tim said they didn't know how to thank staff at both hospitals.

He said: "How do you thank them? A box of chocolates is what most people give to hospital staff. That just doesn't seem to be enough."