A woman who was considered brain dead stunned medics by waking up hours before her life support system was due to be turned off.
Emma Price suffered brain damage after attempting to take her own life and her family was told that there was only the slimmest chance of recovery.
The 32-year-old from Pitsea in Essex was in hospital in an induced coma on Monday when doctors were set to turn her life support off.
However, she unexpectedly woke up and is now able to communicate through head movements and small facial expressions, the Sun reported.
Ms Price’s mother Samantha said: “I really can’t explain it, I’ve never cried so much in my life. We are so happy that she is awake.
"We were planning her funeral and preparing to say goodbye to her on Monday.
"But then she opened her eyes and we all started crying again but this time they were tears of joy.
"She’s finally on, what is going to be, a long road to recovery. It is nothing short of a miracle."
Ms Price is paralysed on one side and suffered a stroke as well as heavy brain damage.
She may never recover and cannot go for more than 30 minutes without needing a ventilator.
More than £4,500 has been raised so far to cover her care.
Her brother, Thomas wrote on a GoFundMe page: "My sister Emma price has been put into an induced coma.
"She is only 32 and has a loving family who want her to make a full recovery.
"She has suffered a stroke and brain damage. She is also now paralysed on her right side.
"Emma is making a recovery which is amazing - but she still needs a lot of support from everyone."
Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.
