A LEADING conservation expert who fell critically ill after being bitten by a mosquito on a trip to the Far East has awoken after almost two months in a coma.
Botanist Sophie Williams, of Malton, North Yorkshire, contracted brain infection Japanese encephalitis while carrying out research at Xishuangbanna in China in July.
The 31-year-old former head girl at Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering, was placed on life support before being transferred from Bangkok hospital to the UK in a special air ambulance at the beginning of August.
Dr Williams' father, Mike, owner of Castlegate News in Malton, said following an anxious wait for her family, the lecturer had awoken, but remained on life support.
He said: “Some of her friends have also been to see her and Sophie appears to be showing signs that she recognises them.
“It is wonderful to have some positive news at last and again I would like to thank everyone who has shown so much support.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here