Mum who lost legs and fingers celebrates her first Christmas

A mum-of-two who lost her legs and fingers after contracting a horrifying series of illnesses is celebrating her first Christmas since coming close to death.
Tracy Ralph was rushed into hospital on Christmas Eve last year with suspected pneumonia after feeling short of breath during a run while training for a half marathon.
Within 24 hours doctors placed her in an induced coma as they battled to save her life.
She contracted septicaemia, blood clots, a bleed on the brain and complete organ failure with doctors forced to amputate her legs and fingers.
Tracy's husband Brad had to tell her they would be amputated and she even tried to escape the hospital when she realised what was looming.





Now she is walking again after generous well-wishers – including celebrities such as comedian Alan Carr, former footballer Robbie Savage and Dragons' Den's Deborah Meaden - raised an astonishing £230,000 to help her get prosthetic limbs.
The 35-year-old said: "My husband Brad told me I was going to lose my legs but by this stage I couldn't do anything with my legs.
"They were hard, they were heavy and my hands looked so bad I just wanted them to be amputated in order for me to get to the next stage.

"I tried to escape and because of all the medication I just pulled the things out and thought 'where am I, what are they doing, get me out of here'."

Now she will spend Christmas Day this year with her best friend Karla and their families.
She told the BBC : "I was in a very dark place, but within the last couple of months I can see a future.
"It's not a future I planned or expected, and of course I will always wish I had my legs and fingers, but I am very thankful I am here."
"Christmas this year will be very different.

"We are finally spending Christmas together, with the people who matter most."