Charlie Webster fighting for life in Rio hospital after contracting rare strain of malaria

TV presenter Charlie Webster is fighting for her life after contracting a rare strain of malaria.

The former Sky Sports News presenter is on life support in a Rio de Janeiro hospital after contracting the disease while travelling to the Olympic Games.

The 33-year-old - who is in Rio to be one of the official presenters for Team GB - first fell ill around two weeks ago.

“Charlie is battling for survival at the moment – everyone is distraught," her friend told The Sun newspaper.

“But she is so strong and a very fit and healthy person in general so we have to keep positive.

“The doctors have now identified the very rare malaria strain she has contracted so she is receiving the right treatment in Rio, with advice being provided by the London School of Tropical Medicine.”

A message about Charlie: pic.twitter.com/dKb89bWr83

— Charlie Webster (@CharlieCW) August 11, 2016