A Malvern woman almost lost her life to "flesh-eating disease" and is now battling to raise awareness of the symptoms. 

Kerry Smith contracted Necrotising Fasciitis, also known as "flesh-eating disease" at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after a caesarean in August 2007. 

The NHS describes the condition as "a rare and life-threatening infection that can happen if a wound gets infected. It needs to be treated in hospital straight away."

Miss Smith said: "My son was born in August 2007, what should have been an exciting time turned into a nightmare.

"I first noticed something wasn't right after being sent home and noticing how red the c-section area was and tender to touch, I struggled to breastfeed as it was so painful to rest my son on me. 

"I visited the out-of-hours doctors who sent me home with antibiotics, these didn't work and it was getting worse.

"I felt really poorly, drained and had a temperature, I was sent back to hospital, to get checked out.

"It was here that a nurse noticed a black mark just under my belly button and my scar split open. 

"The infection is horrendous and I was in the intensive care unit for weeks. 

"I had several operations to remove the dead tissue from the 'flesh-eating disease' and had to have a full hysterectomy to try to save my life.

"My family were told to prepare for the worst and to say goodbye to me as it was very unlikely I would make it.

"I also have a large scar on my left thigh as the black mark appeared there too, I had skin grafts and was also transferred to the hospital in Birmingham where i received specialist care."

On September 24, Mrs Smith will be undertaking a charity skydive and donating the proceeds to the Lee Spark Foundation, a charity that provides support and education on the disease. Click here to donate.

Miss Smith added: "This charity is close to my heart as the group have really helped me, it is so nice to be able to talk to people that have been through it too or have family members that have and realise that you are not alone.

"The support that the group have given me has helped me during my darkest times. 

"Dee, who is the founder of the charity, works so hard to raise awareness of necrotising fasciitis and infections and I want to give something back and support her as much as possible."