Mekala Osborne ‘able to move fingers on both hands’ as she re-isolates

Mekala is making a good recovery after contracting a bacterial infection in Vietnam last year

Mekala Osborne was travelling through Vietnam with a friend last September when she contracted bronchial pneumonia, forcing medics to put her into an induced coma.

The 22-year-old was in Hoi Am when medics made the decision, before being moved to a specialist hospital in Singapore, and eventually was able to be transported back to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Mekala, a personal trainer from Wallyford, was then moved to the Astley Ainsley hospital to begin physiotherapy.

Mekala is progressing with her physio despite having to isolate

Now, proud step dad Jimmy has announced that Mekala can move fingers on both her hands, and wave her elbow during video calls.

Jimmy said: “We can’t go and see her due to coronavirus. I think that she was moved out of the Royal Infirmary a little early as she was in isolation and they needed the bed, which is totally understandable.

“We’re not allowed to see her, but her mum Yvonne drops things by for her and the nurses, cakes and things and waves through the window at her and we video chat with her every night.

“She can wave her elbow at us and she can see the funny side.

“She’s good, she’s strong, she’ll always have a problem with one of her lungs, but she’ll live a normal life.

“It may take the rest of the year, a long way to go, but we’ll get there.”

Mekala was able to have her first shower yesterday, to her delight.

Jimmy laughed: “She really loved it. She’s been a wee bit down as she’s obviously not allowed to see anyone and has to be careful but this was a joy for her.”

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