Title: Leslie Ash, 65, Uses Pink Walking Stick at Lido Festival’s Charli XCX Headline Show Following Health Update
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Title: Leslie Ash, 65, Uses Pink Walking Stick at Lido Festival’s Charli XCX Headline Show Following Health Update

Leslie Ash Defies Odds with Pink Walking Stick at Eco-Friendly Festival
[Image: Leslie Ash at Lido Festival with pink walking stick]

Leslie Ash, 65, made a spirited appearance at London’s Lido Festival this weekend, sporting a pink walking stick and a casual ensemble. The Men Behaving Badly star, who nearly lost her ability to walk after a life-threatening MSSA superbug infection in 2004, has defied doctors’ predictions of wheelchair dependency through relentless rehabilitation.

Health Triumph
Two decades ago, Leslie contracted the antibiotic-resistant infection while hospitalized for cracked ribs sustained during a fall. The MSSA abscess in her spine left her with paralysis fears, but she fought back with gym sessions and husband Lee Chapman’s support. “They said I’d be in a wheelchair by 60,” she shared on Good Morning Britain earlier this year. “But I’m feeling really good now.”

[Image: Leslie and Lee Chapman at the festival]

Festival Fun
At the eco-conscious Lido Festival—powered entirely by renewable energy—Leslie opted for a laid-back look: a white oversized shirt, cropped jeans, and pink trainers. She enjoyed performances, including Charli XCX’s set, alongside Lee, 65, a former footballer. The outing marked a celebratory milestone for Leslie, who once received a bleak prognosis.

A Turning Point
In 2004, Leslie’s hospitalization took a dire turn when an epidural needle mishap led to the MSSA infection. She later won a landmark £5 million compensation settlement, acknowledging the impact on her acting career. Despite permanent mobility challenges, she credits “mental strength” and daily exercise for her progress. “If I sat down, I’d be in a wheelchair now,” she told The Sun.

[Image: Leslie in Men Behaving Badly with cast]

Legacy of Resilience
Known for her role in the 90s sitcom Men Behaving Badly, Leslie continues to inspire with her determination. While she admits she’ll “never be the same” physically, her focus on core strength and positivity keeps her moving forward. “You have to keep fighting,” she emphasized.

Leslie’s story remains a testament to resilience, proving that even the gravest forecasts can be challenged with grit and support.

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