A great-grandmother who went into anaphylactic shock after being stung has praised the nurses whose quick actions saved her life.

Irene Elliott was taken to the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital after collapsing.

The 69-year-old, from Brenchley Road, had been at her late husband’s grave when she felt a sting on the back of her neck.

She said: “My partner Tony Reed and I had just finished as sidesmen at Tunstall Church and I went to visit my husband’s grave, which I tidy regularly.

“I just hesitated by a tree and it felt like I had a needle prick in the back of my neck – I think it was a hornet sting.

“I said to Tony that I didn’t feel that great and didn’t think I could manage delivering the church magazine. I wanted to go straight home.”

By the time they reached the house, Irene was already unconscious.

“I know I am very lucky to be alive" - Irene Elliott

Tony, 71, said: “I thought she was sleeping at first. But by the time we were home, I tried to wake her but I couldn’t even get her out of the car.

“We only live a couple of minutes from the MIU and my neighbour came out and said ‘Why don’t you take her there?’.”

At the MIU, senior nurse practitioner Joan Hogben recognised how serious her condition was and called for colleagues Sasha Caridia and Marie Vining.

Joan said: “By this time, Irene was in full blown anaphylaxis.

"Sasha gave Irene a shot of adrenaline to stabilise her, while I called 999.

“Sasha and Marie helped to maintain Irene’s airway which was starting to shut down while I gained intravenous access with a cannula.

“It was thanks to fast recognition and immediate treatment that saved her life.”

An air ambulance was called but Irene was driven to Medway Maritime Hospital, accompanied by the helicopter medics. She was discharged later that day.

Irene, who has three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, said: “I can’t fault the care from any part of the NHS.

"If I had gone home and sat on the sofa, Tony might have thought I was asleep and it could have been a very different ending.

“I know I am very lucky to be alive. I’m a little scared about going out in the garden now, but I’ve been to the GP and we have adrenaline pens so if it did happen again, we’d know exactly what to do.”

People are advised to use an adrenaline injector if someone is believed to be in anaphylactic shock or dial 999. Stings should be carefully removed, if visible.