COLIN Hendry today spoke of his joy after wife Denise was taken off a ventilator for the first time in more than a month as she battles a life-threatening condition.

Mother-of-four Denise is in intensive care at the Royal Preston Hospital, where she was admitted on April 12 after contracting septicaemia following an earlier liposuction operation at Broughton Park Private Hospital, in Preston.

In a statement from the former Scotland captain, Colin said Denise had come out of her coma and was conscious and comfortable. He said his 35-year-wife no longer required a ventilator and he thanked everyone for the amazing support the family had received.

Former colleagues of the star defender today said it was "great news."

Colin said: "It's very difficult for me to put into words how wonderful the doctors and nurses have been.

"We have had more than 400 cards and letters from friends, family and members of the public. Many have sent flowers which Denise was unable to appreciate but we have taken photographs of them for her. I am sure she will be very touched by the flowers and thoughts that are with them once she fully understands what has happened to her."

Colin added that friends and family are still continuing to support the couple and their four young children through their ordeal.

Former team mate Glen Keeley, who captained the 1987 Full Members Cup winning side -- in which Colin scored the only goal -- said: "I heard about this yesterday and I think it's great news. It must be such a relief for Colin and the family.

"I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like not knowing if someone you love so much is going to live or die. I sent the family a card when Denise was first admitted and I will be sending them another card now."

Yesterday a family friend revealed that Denise had opened her eyes for the first time on Thursday.

A hospital spokesman today said Denise remained comfortable.

Former Rovers defender Colin, who now plays for Bolton Wanderers, has been making daily visits to the hospital from the couple's £1m Lytham St Annes home.

By her bedside are said to be pictures of the couple's children, including one of their 10-year-old son, Kyle, celebrating in his soccer team's cup final wearing a T-shirt with the poignant message "Love U Mum."