I’m so thankful doc saved my life

STRICTLY judge Darcey Bussell feels lucky to be alive after almost dying in childbirth.

She suffered pre-eclampsia while in labour with her first daughter.

The experience has changed Darcey’s outlook on life.

In an emotional interview, she told the Daily Star Sunday: “My first child was premature and I had pre-eclampsia and I nearly didn’t get through that.

“I could have gone into a coma at any second. So I feel very lucky to be here.

“Not to be overdramatic, but I did nearly die. I was very lucky.

“I was fortunate in that I was so drugged up, which meant I wasn’t conscious when it was happening.

“I didn’t know what had happened until afterwards. So I was quite lucky in that. I didn’t realise the panic that was happening.” Professor Mark Johnson helped deliver baby Phoebe in 2001.

Darcey added: “Mark saved my life. I owe everything to him.

“When I had my baby nearly two months early somebody died in another hospital of the same issue. And that’s because it was totally undetected.

“I’m just lucky that Mark was totally aware of what was going on with me. People don’t know why it happens.

“We have the most amazing medical science for so many other things, but we still don’t know this one.”

Former ballet dancer Darcey, 48, has since become a mum for a second time.

She added: “Going through everything with my first labour empowered me. It changed everything. Now I appreciate every moment of everything.”

Darcey has met countless women who have suffered similar complications in childbirth. Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and can lead to fits.

She said: “It’s extraordinary when you realise how many people have been through these things. Childbirth isn’t the easiest thing in the world.

“Sadly now in society, with our crazy lives, we do put a lot of pressure on ourselves and we don’t appreciate that enough.” Darcey was so determined to help others she became a patron for Borne – a charity helping those affected by pre-term births.

It was set up by Prof Johnson in 2013 and Darcey has helped to raise cash for research.

She said: “I feel so passionate about what Mark does and the research he produces. For me it was an easy decision to help out because I know exactly what he does. You just have to support his extraordinary work.”

For more information on the charity visit borne.org.uk.