TV presenter Charlie Webster, who was in a coma after falling ill in Rio, has thanked supporters for their love.

She has dictated a message for family and friends to Tweet, saying she was getting "stronger each day".

She said: "I'm told I have thousands of messages of love and support to read once I'm better, so thank you very much for those.

"The last 16 days have been hell - although I don't remember most of them.

Charlie dictated this message for us to share with you all 💕 #TeamCharlie pic.twitter.com/XMbo0SN6hV — Charlie Webster (@CharlieCW) August 22, 2016

"I am getting stronger each day and look forward to watching all the Olympic highlights; I hear #TeamGB have triumphed!"


A spokesman for Webster said: "Over the weekend, Charlie's kidneys responded well to treatment and the dialysis has been reduced to around six hours a day.

"Her breathing has also become stronger and breathing support has also been reduced.

"Charlie was able to get out bed and sit in a chair - and best of all, she's got her sense of humour back and has been able to smile at her brother's jokes.

Image: Charlie Webster being treated in a Rio hospital

"The goal now is to get Charlie even stronger and fly her back to the UK as soon as possible."

The former Sky and ITV sports presenter fell seriously ill on 6 August following a 3,000-mile (4,828km) charity cycle ride.

She was admitted to hospital, where doctors initially thought she was dehydrated following the gruelling six-week Ride To Rio challenge.

However, her condition deteriorated after she developed a severe complication from a bacterial infection.

Last week, it emerged she had contracted a rare strain of malaria and needed dialysis to help her kidneys, which were not functioning properly.