DEDICATED Joanne Watt worked such long hours she suffered a blood clot that nearly killed her.

Now the industrial design student has created a device which could help combat deep vein thrombosis.

Doctors diagnosed the life threatening condition after Joanne, 23, suffered crippling pains in her leg last summer.

The final-year-student risked a pulmonary embolism when she waited three days before seeking medical help after the clot left her unable to walk.

After treatment, including a course of blood thinning Warfarin injections, Joanne, from Teesside, decided to put her agonising experience to good use.

To complete her degree at Northumbria University she has designed a heat responsive cushion, which could prevent blood clots in people.

An airline has invited Joanne for talks with a view to manufacturing her idea.

"Aeroplane passengers were not the only people to suffer the dreaded economy class syndrome," Joanne said. "It also affected those whose jobs required them to be sat down for long periods of time."