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A Canterbury woman was last night still fighting for her life in Christchurch Hospital after an allergic reaction to the trees planted around her neighbourhood.
Mother of four Elsbeth Tothill was rushed to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit after experiencing breathing difficulties, which are understood to have been caused by an allergic reaction to the silver birch tree species.
Earlier last week the 71-year-old, who is known as Jimmo, was put into a coma after her lungs stopped functioning properly. Her husband of 48 years, Thomas, told the Herald on Sunday that he had politely requested the Christchurch City Council remove the 14 silver birch trees, which grow within 100m around his property.
"They told me they were lovely specimens and they wouldn't be removing them," said Thomas, who is the inventor of the famous SimmerMat.
More than 1000 emails have been received to wish Jimmo - the Clyde Rd neighbourhood watch leader - the best. "I have been up at the hospital and have read them all to her," said Thomas. He spoke of his wife's "enormous sense of loyalty and kindness".
"She has been a wonderful person, really."
A spokesperson for the Christchurch City Council confirmed a decision had been reached which prohibited the planting of new silver birch trees - described by the local authority as "an inappropriate tree" - but the cost of removing the existing 3000 plants would be too great.
Scientists have said the tree, considered a national plant of Russia, had been linked to lip-swelling, nausea, wheezing, vomiting and hay fever. Some experts have said that exposure to pollen from the shrub had health implications for babies and children.
Jean Smith, a long-time friend of Jimmo, described her as "very interesting", adding: "Her personality is so caring, she is never in your face but she likes to involve everyone in what she is doing."
It is understood that several other residents in the area have reported illnesses linked to silver birch trees.
