Grandmother survives deadly spider bite
A 52-year-old grandmother from Cumbria spent 26 hours in an intensive care unit after she suffered a severe allergic reaction to a bite from a venomous spider related to the deadly black widow, pictured here
Lyn Mitchell was in bed at her home in Egremont, west Cumbria, when she was bitten by a false widow – or Steatoda Grossa - spider, a purple and black insect that bears a strong resemblance to the deadly black widow, pictured here.
False widows are found predominantly in the south of England, but the species has migrated northwards after a succession of mild winters. Their bite usually leaves blistering on human skin and can lead to a general malaise lasting several days.
When the false widow sank its fangs into her chest, Mrs Mitchell suffered a severe allergic reaction that left her gasping for breath. Fortunately, she was able to call for an ambulance before she lost consciousness.
Mrs Mitchell was rushed to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven where medics immediately placed her on a life support machine that enabled her to survive.
After spending 26 hours in intensive care, Mrs Mitchell was able to make a full recovery.
Pest controllers from Copeland Borough Council later sprayed her home and Mrs Mitchell later found the spider dead behind her bedroom door.
Stay down south you little fuckers
