SOCCER star Colin Hendry has spoken of his delight after his wife regained consciousness and was taken off a ventilator.

It marks a major breakthrough for Denise Hendry who has been fighting for her life for over a month at the Preston Royal Hospital.

She was admitted with septicaemia after liposuction surgery at a private hospital in Preston.

Bolton Wanderers star Colin, a former Scotland captain nick-named Braveheart, has been keeping a bedside vigil since April as his wife battled against the blood poisoning.

The 35-year-old mother of four, who lives in Lytham St Annes, had been described as "very poorly" by hospital staff.

But today, Mr Hendry revealed that his wife is now breathing for herself and had been taken off a life support machine.

Hundreds of well-wishers have been contacting the local soccer hero with messages of support.

Denise's children have been particularly devastated by their mother's illness.

Their 10-year-old son, Kyle, had a touching message for his critically ill mum recently when he revealed the words "LOVE U MUM" written on the front of a T-shirt during a recent crunch junior football YMCA match.

Colin said today: "Denise has continued to improve. She is still in the intensive care unit but she is conscious and comfortable and no longer needs a ventilator to help her breathe.

"Denise and our family have had amazing support in the six weeks since she was admitted to hospital. It is very difficult for me to put into words how wonderful the doctors and nurses have been in caring for her.

"We have had more than 400 cards and letters of support from firends, family and members of the public.

"Many people sent in flowers which Denise wasn't able to appreciate at the time but we took photographs for her. I am sure that she will be very touched by the flowers and thoughts that go with them, once she fully understands what has happened to her.

"Her family is continuing to rally round Denise and to support her when she recovers.

"I would like to thank everyone for their continued good wishes and messages of encouragement."

Hendry has enjoyed a career spanning almost 20 years, winning championship medals on both sides of the border with Blackburn and Rangers.

Hendry met his wife-to-be, a hairdresser, when they were both 18 and lived in Dundee. Three years later they married.