A life-saving nurse has been praised after she spotted a rare disorder which could have killed a patient.

Grandmother Jenny Wingrove, 53, of Clacton, is now recovering from brain surgery after having a tumour removed from her head.

But she is full of gratitude to nurse practitioner Sue Smart at Great Clacton doctors' surgery.

The nurse noticed Mrs Wingrove was living with a life-threatening disorder, which had altered her features and made her suffer from ongoing and debilitating illnesses.

At worse, it could have made her blind or even killed her.

Ms Smart spotted the condition when Mrs Wingrove went to the surgery, in North Road, on an unrelated illness four months ago.

Mrs Wingrove said: "She saved my life. I had no idea there was something so wrong with me, but now I'm alive again. I just can't thank her enough."

Ms Smart said: "It's a very rare condition and it's often missed. I'm just glad she's getting the treatment she needed."

Published Friday June 11, 2004

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