Former Emmerdale actress, Gemma Oaten, has hit back at cruel social media users who accused her of attention seeking whilst she was fighting for her life in hospital.
The charity campaigner, and eating disorder activist, who was rushed to hospital after contracting Covid-19 has now been diagnosed with a rare kidney condition.
The seriously ill soap star revealed to her fans on social media that she had tested positive for coronavirus last week and was suffering with "excruciating" pains.
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And now the 37-year-old has shared an update of her current condition with her almost 25k followers after spending almost a week in hospital as she encourages people to "be kind."
She posted a selection of images from her hospital bed, including screen shots of the vile abuse she has received for sharing her experience online.
The caption read: "Hi everyone. I'm so sorry I've been quiet. I've been inundated with messages and tried to keep up, as have my parents, but we've hit a brick wall. I just thought it best to do an update for all you lovely people so our phones can cool down and we can get some rest at what's been a really horrible time for us all and my close family and friends.
"So...I've been in hospital since Saturday and things quickly took a turn for the worse. As many know I tested positive for covid last Tuesday but woke early hours Saturday morning with excruciating chest, stomach and back pains. I called 111 for advice and they sent an ambulance and its all been a blur and very surreal, but too real as well if that makes sense.
"Long story short and I'll explain more when I am ready and fully fit, but I was diagnosed with milk alkali syndrome which in rare and severe cases (like mine) leads to kidney failure or worse, death.
"Yep. All a bit much. Thank you to @henriettamac for making me seek help and pushing me to put me first and for all her care and @joffpowell for bringing me clean knickers and all the magazines and puzzles a girl could dream of and for being my rock as always. Both of you. You're amazing.
"And to the trolls (swipe through) for your messages... I don't normally call out keyboard warriors but a lesson needs to be learned. I read these whilst wondering if I would make the night. Think before you type. Kindness means everything.
"On a lighter note. Thank you @ollielockeworld for sending this photo and making me laugh, insta filter dream.
"For now self care and rest for me, so please bear with. This has been a wake up call and I need time to process it all too.
"Stay well lovelies, thanks to all the amazing people in my life for the support. Especially mummy and daddy O and my family and real friends, love you.
"P.s Big shout out to the A&E staff at charing Cross hospital, Marjory Warren ward. You are absolutely incredible. Thank you for looking after me and for your tireless work."
The comments section was quickly flooded with well wishes and support for the radio presenter.
@thejamiekenna penned: "Sending love and positivity you beauty!! In the meantime I’m going on the hunt for trolls so I can hang them upside down by their bootlaces until they learn the error of their ways!"
While @nickyjohnston added: "Oh I'm so sorry to read your news. Thinking of you and sending lots of love xxx"
"Ignore the keyboard warriors. You must remember their lives are so empty and shallow that the only gratification in life they get, is to try and bring others down to their very sad level.
"Scary and stressful couple of days but we now know what we’re dealing with so can make a plan to get you back on your feet!
Shopping for a care package on Easter Sunday shall be a memory I will not forget! #knickerGate
"Love you loads, rest up and look after you. You spend enough time looking after others, now is the time to give that love to yourself!" responded close pal @joffpowell.
Milk alkali syndrome is a condition that causes a shift in the body's acid balance and there are a high level of calcium in the body.
This can consequently shift the body's acid base to alkaline and cause a loss of kidney function.
Thankfully, Gemma, who played Rachel Breckle on the ITV soap, has now reassured fans she is on the mend.
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