A mother-of-two who nearly died after she was struck down with influenza has been moved to tears when she was won $10,000 prize money.
Australian nurse Adele Whelan was left fighting for her life after being placed in an induced coma for five weeks earlier this year.
Appearing on the Today show on Monday morning, the mother was surprised by her two adult daughters who nominated her for the Knock of Cash Christmas giveaway.
Mother of two Adele Whelan who nearly died after she was struck down with influenza has been moved to tears when she was won $10,000 in the Today show’s Knock of Cash
The daughters praised their doting mother for juggling the family-of-three and working to make ends meet by caring for others as a nurse.
‘She always puts us first, she’s always done everything for us, and made sure we have everything, even though she’s never had much,’ her daughter said.
‘We just love her and we don’t know anyone who deserves this more. And she’s going to be in shocked.’
Today presenter Natalia Cooper joined the family to surprise Ms Whelan who has since taken time off work to recover at home.
‘We have been told by your beautiful daughters what an incredible woman you are. We know you’ve been through some real hardships this year,’ Cooper said.
‘You were almost killed when you suffered influenza. How hard has it been for you this year?’
Today presenter Natalia Cooper joined the family to surprise Adele who has since taken time off work to recover at home
The mother responded: ‘Tough, really tough… frightening, scary. Ellie kept a diary for when I was in ICU so that really brought it home to me for what it was like for them. So yeah, awful, really awful.’
Struggling to hold her emotions, Ms Whelan said she was trying to get better so she could return to what she loves doing most – taking care of others.
‘I’m trying to get back to work. I failed one fitness test, I’ve got another one in January so hopefully I’ll be able to get back to work but I don’t know,’ she said.
Lost for words, the emotional mother-of-two pulled her daughters in for a big hug
Struggling to hold her emotions, Ms Whelan said she was trying to get better so she could return to what she loves doing most – taking care of others as a nurse
Cooper praised the mother, saying: ‘You are one incredible woman to still be here today. You have an incredible fighting spirit.
‘You’ve been a nurse for so many years, helping others and you’ve been a selfless, single mother raising these beautiful girls. Your daughters love you so much.
‘Adele, they have nominated you for our Christmas Knock of Cash and today, we would like to give you $10,000.’
Lost for words, the emotional mother pulled her daughters in for a big hug before saying: ‘I’m going to have a nice Christmas.’