A GRANDMOTHER who briefly 'died' after contracting a deadly strain of legionnaires' disease is repaying the hospital where her life was saved.

Sylvia Scott, of Marina Drive, Ellesmere Port, caught the water-borne infection during a trip to the Far East.

On her return to the UK she fell into unconciousness and awoke a month later on life-support in Arrowe Park Hospital.

During that time, she suffered three heart attacks, one of them lasting for 45 minutes.

Mrs Scott said: 'Some of the staff thought I was dead. But they wouldn't give up on me and somehow got my heart working again.

'They cracked a few ribs bringing me round, but that's a small price to pay for having my life back.'

Mrs Scott, who worked in Asda at the time, contracted the disease in March 1999. She had spent a month in Australia then travelled up the Malaysian coastline, ending up in Bangkok.

Mrs Scott explained: 'After returning home, I went to bed. One month later I woke up.

'I'd initially been treated at the Countess of Chester for double pneumonia and malaria.

'Then I was sent to the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Arrowe Park.

'After tests, the Liverpool School of Medicine found I'd had a fatal strain of legionnaires' disease.'

Although she recovered, Mrs Scott had to learn all over again how to walk, feed herself, wash and write.

She left hospital on a walking frame and had a year of physiotherapy.

Her goal at that time, which she achieved, was to attend the wedding of her daughter Cathy Lewis, a teacher at Gorsthills Primary in Great Sutton.

In February 2001 her daughter gave birth to son Jack.

The three of them now visit Arrowe Park twice a year - on April 16, the day Mrs Scott 'died' - and at Christmas when they take in a hamper.

Mrs Scott said: 'I can never forget or repay them for their dedication, and what they made possible for me - my life.'

This May she raised £460 with a sponsored walk in North Wales with the Flat Lane Weightwatchers group, which she joined after gaining weight in hospital.

After buying ITU a fridge freezer, grill and two radio/CD players she has £140 left over, which she will present to staff on July 22.