"What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger" - Mekala Osbourne's message to supporters as she begins to breathe on her own

A 22-year-old personal trainer from Wallyford, who has been confined to hospital since falling ill on a dream holiday in Vietnam has shared a message to family, friends and supporters after spending 100 days in Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary.

Mekala Osbourne fell ill in September with what she thought was a simple sore throat before fighting for her life after contracting a deadly bout of pneumonia.

'I'm finally breathing on my own'

In an emotional message relayed by her on the Radio Saltire Facebook page she said: “And just like that I’ve reached 100 days in the Royal Infirmary, never mind the two months spent in hospital in Singapore.

“I’ve still got a long way to go nobody knows how long it may take to regain the feeling in my hands and to walk again but rest assured I will.

“Yesterday I got my trache out and for the first time I’m finally breathing on my own.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through but after a five per cent chance of surviving, it really is true what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Initially, her family were told to ‘pray she survives’ an emergency transfer from a hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam to a specialist unit in Singapore.

After two months of difficult recovery, with almost a fortnight spent in an induced coma, Mekala then had to go through another dangerous transfer, flying for 13 hours between Singapore and Manchester, arriving back home in Edinburgh at the Royal Infirmary.

'As soon as I'm walking again it's straight for a boogie'

The post continued: “You never know when life is going to kick you in so really appreciate and live everyday like it is your last.

“I’ll never take life for granted again especially the little things like being able to scratch your own nose.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart as your words keep me going and have helped me through the worst time in my life.

“A special thank you has to be said to my angel of a mother who has been by my side every step of the way, I owe you my life (and parking costs).

“Sorry I haven’t replied to people’s messages but it’s hard to type when you can’t feel your hands.

“Every message is appreciated so so much. Soon as I’m walking again, it’s straight to Wally club for a boogie and I expect everyone to be there.

“Lots of love to you all you kind lovely people.”

Her family have said they feel as if they have ‘turned a huge corner’ in terms of her recovery.

Once Mekala’s lungs are strong enough, she will begin a rehabilitation course where she will learn to walk again and continue to build on her strength.

In January, Mekala said: “I’ll be back singing and dancing soon enough.”