THE family of a KFC worker who took an overdose are celebrating her “miraculous” recovery after she stunned doctors by opening her eyes hours before life support was due to be turned off. 

Emma Price tragically attempted to take her own life after allegedly being bullied at work at KFC in Pitsea. 

Last week, her family were told she was brain dead but are now “extremely happy” after the 32-year-old began communicating with them after waking up from an induced coma. 

KFC has said maintaining a "safe and inclusive" working environment is essential for the business and confirmed an "urgent" investigation has been launched into the bullying claims. 

Emma has now started communicating through head movements and limited facial expressions and has got some respite from her ventilator after being able to breathe on her own for more than 30 minutes.

Miraculous: Samantha says the family has been uplifted by the support from the community.Miraculous: Samantha says the family has been uplifted by the support from the community. (Image: David Price)

 

Emma’s mother, Samantha Day, says the past week has been nothing short of a “miracle” and that she can’t wait to welcome her. 

She said: “I really can’t explain it, I’ve never cried so much in my life. We are so happy that she is awake.

“We were planning her funeral and preparing to say goodbye to her on Monday but then she opened her eyes and we all started crying again but this time they were tears of joy.

“The doctors were absolutely amazed by her because the brain damage she suffered was quite significant. She is now alert and responds to us by nodding her head.

“She’s finally on, what is going to be, a long road to recovery. It is nothing short of a miracle.

“We don’t know how much of a recovery that will be but Emma is a fighter, she’ll keep fighting and come back to us bit by bit. We know we will not get our old Emma back but we are looking forward to welcoming the new Emma home.”

Since the news of Emma being in hospital broke out, the community has rallied behind the family and raised more than £4,000 towards supporting her.

Mrs Day added: “We can’t thank people enough, their support has kept us going. These are people that don’t even know but have been so caring and loving.

“It has been very uplifting.”