Spurs fan enjoys 'magical' stadium return after coma

Daniel Sexton and Patrick BarlowSouth East
News imageKent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust Two women sat in a football stadium wearing football scarves.Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Jacqueline Green, right, returned to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after spending 16 days in hospital

A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan has been able to return to supporting her side in person, after getting support from occupational therapists, and with the help of a portable oxygen supply.

Jacqueline Green, from Canterbury, Kent, previously had a 16-day stay in hospital, nine of which were in a critical care unit in an induced coma, being treated for double pneumonia.

In December 2024, she was re-admitted to critical care with respiratory failure and was referred to the East Kent Specialist Respiratory Service, after struggling with her mental health.

The 69-year-old said: "Watching the game live, with the roaring crowd, instead of in front of the telly in my front room, was a magical moment."

She said: "It's been a long time coming and at times I didn't think I'd get here.

"It's funny the things that matter to you most and what you miss about fitter and happier times."

Green, who also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also spent six weeks being treated in an anxiety and symptom management programme, having spent time at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

COPD can lead to increasingly difficulty breathing over time, a persistent cough and frequent chest infections.

Since her improvement, Jacqueline has started volunteering at her local pulmonary rehabilitation programme, passing-on her real-life experiences and inspiring people.

Respiratory nurse Sue Gaskin explained: "I met Jacqueline at a particularly dark time in her life.

"Her experiences in hospital had left her traumatised and very downbeat, but I knew we could work together to help her access the support she desperately needed."

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