People News

Amy Winehouse's now or never battle: Change or die

Jun 23, 2008, 9:45 GMT

British singer Amy Winehouse performs during the Rock in Rio Festival held in Lisbon, Portugal, late 30 May 2008. EPA/MANUEL DE ALMEIDA

Amy Winehouse could be dead within three months after developing emphysema.

The 'Rehab' singer - who was admitted to hospital after collapsing at her home last week - has been warned she must quit drugs or face using a wheelchair and oxygen supplies to help her breathe as the deadly lung condition worsens.

Amy's father Mitch said: "To think this could be my beautiful 24-year-old daughter's life is preposterous. But if drugs mean more to her than breathing properly, then so be it. The doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs it won't just ruin her voice, it will kill her.

"It's in its early stage but had it gone on for another month they painted a very vivid picture of her sitting there with a mask on her face struggling to breathe."

Emphysema eats away at lungs leaving sufferers breathless and frail.

Despite doctors' warnings Amy is still determined to perform at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in London's Hyde Park on Friday (27.06.08) and the Glastonbury music festival on Saturday (28.06.08).

A special St John's Ambulance crew will be on permanent standby for the star on Friday.

Concert organisers are also refusing her request for alcohol in her rider, and her backstage area will feature a private hospital suite.