Victim of paedophile ring in city wins her fight for life

THE victim of Edinburgh's worst paedophile ring was today recovering in hospital after winning a battle for life which saw her heart stop three times.

Dana Fowley was close to death last week after suffering massive internal bleeding from a burst stomach ulcer.

Speaking from her hospital bed today, she said: "I've been told I was very lucky."

As reported in the News last week, doctors had to resuscitate the 28-year-old repeatedly while using eight pints of blood in transfusions to keep her alive.

Today Ms Fowley paid tribute to the staff who treated her as she prepares to leave the Western General Hospital on Friday.

She needed surgery last Monday after suffering a haemorrhage in a hospital bathroom before being cared for in the intensive care and high-dependency wards.

But she was ruled well enough to move to a general ward at the weekend and doctors have been left amazed at the speed of her recovery.

Ms Fowley said: "I'm feeling a lot better. The doctors have told me it was an ulcer in my stomach that burst.

"The doctors said I would be able to leave by the end of the week so I'm looking forward to that."

She said she was determined to live for her children, adding: "I knew I wanted to see justice done and I think that gave me the strength to keep fighting."

Ms Fowley suffered at the hands of her mother and others who abused her and her sister over a period of 12 years. Caroline Dunsmore is serving 12 years for her role, while Morris Petch, 50, received a life sentence and John O'Flaherty, also 50, was handed a 13-year term after their trial last year.

Ms Fowley's partner, Paul Kernachan, 41, who has been taking care of their two young children, Jordan, five, and Dillon, two, said: "The doctors told me Dana has made a remarkable recovery.

"At first they thought she would have to spend two weeks on a ventilator but she was off it after a couple of days. I was devastated when she fell ill and I was so glad when she woke up again. She's always been a fighter."

Ms Fowley was on holiday at the Flamingo Land theme park in Yorkshire more than two weeks ago when she felt unwell and had to come home early.

She went to a doctor, who sent her to the Western General where they diagnosed an ulcer.

But the ulcer burst before it could be successfully treated. Ms Fowley already suffered from diabetes and an enlarged liver.

Doctors have told Ms Fowley they expect her to be able to travel to London in two weeks where she is due to make a number of television appearances promoting a book telling the story of the sex abuse she suffered.

Police are still hunting a man known as Adrian who allegedly took part in the gang rape of Ms Fowley at Abernethy Caravan Park in Perthshire in 1990.

A private detective has now volunteered his services free to help track down Adrian, while Ms Fowley is offering a £10,000 reward for information which leads to the suspect being found.