Irn Bru puts the fizz back into Ebola nurse

Ebola victim Pauline Cafferkey has been released from hospital and has revealed that “lots of Irn-Bru” was the secret to her recovery.

Ms Cafferkey, 39, from Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire, was on the brink of death three weeks ago but has made a remarkable fight-back to beat the disease.

Last night, political leaders, humanitarian campaigners, neighbours and the family of a fellow Ebola survivor were among those celebrating her survival.

Ms Cafferkey, who had been volunteering as a nurse with Save the Children in Sierra Leone, left the Royal Free Hospital in London yesterday and thanked staff including Dr Michael Jacobs for saving her life.

She said: “I am just happy to be alive. Thanks to Dr Mike and his amazing team and all the other people that I didn’t meet working behind the scenes to keep things going.

“They were always very reassuring and I knew I was in the best hands they saved my life.

“I’m definitely going to keep in touch. I’ve got a strong bond with the place and I’ll be sad to leave but I want to go home.”

Ms Cafferkey contracted Ebola while working as a volunteer for Save the Children at a treatment centre in Kerry Town, Sierra Leone.

She was admitted to an isolation facility at Glasgow’s Gartnavel Hospital on December 29 and transferred to London after a blood sample tested positive for Ebola. Her condition deteriorated over the New Year when she faced a desperate battle for life.

She was treated with an experimental anti-viral drug and was transfused with blood plasma from fellow British survivor Will Pooley.

As she left hospital yesterday, she said she was looking forward to a long-awaited bath and seeing family but also revealed her secret weapon to recovery Irn-Bru.

She said: “As I was beginning to recover, I listened to lots of music and that was a massive help. I also had lots of Irn-Bru to help me through.”

Dr Jacobs, who led her care at the hospital, said: “I am very proud of the staff who have been caring for her. It is because of the skill and hard work of the entire team that she is now able to go home.”

Save The Children has launched an investigation into how Ms Cafferkey was infected but admits it may never establish the exact circumstances.

Chief executive Justin Forsyth said: “We are delighted for Pauline and her family that she has recovered.

“Pauline is a dedicated humanitarian who worked tirelessly and selflessly in the fight against Ebola.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also sent her best wishes. She said: “I am delighted to hear that Pauline Cafferkey has now been discharged from hospital.

“Ebola is a terrible disease and the fact that she has made this recovery is a tremendous tribute to the work of the NHS staff who have been committed to her care”.

Westminster Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt paid tribute to Pauline’s “courage” while Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy celebrated the “heroism” she has shown.

Meanwhile Robin Pooley, 67, whose son Will, 29, also beat the disease, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the news, it is tremendous.

“The Royal Free Hospital is just the best.”

One of Pauline’s neighbours Catherine Ponsonby said: “It’s really good news. I’m absolutely delighted. She fought it really well.”

“She’s only been here six months so I didn’t know her too well but I’m really happy to hear she’s been released.”