THE wife of Bolton Wanderers star Colin Hendry was showing signs of improvement in hospital today.

But mother-of-four Denise was still "very poorly" doctors revealed.

And today her soccer star husband said thank you to the people who have supported his family over the past few days.

Denise is in intensive care at the Royal Preston Hospital after contracting the blood infection, septicaemia, last Friday.

The 35-year-old had earlier been sent home from the Broughton Park private hospital in Preston after having liposuction. She was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital after collapsing.

Her husband, a former Scotland captain, has been keeping a bedside vigil.

He said: "All the family are with Denise and we are trying to help her as much as possible during this very difficult time.

"I am very aware of the good wishes and the support we have received from the public and I would like to thank everyone who has sent cards and letters to us. I am very grateful for the kindness and the positive thoughts expressed in them."

A spokesman for the Royal Preston Hospital said: "There has been a slight improvement in the condition of Mrs Denise Hendry, who is currently being treated in the intensive care unit of the Royal Preston Hospital. However, she remains very poorly."

Hendry lives with his wife and their four young children in Lytham St Annes. He has enjoyed a career spanning almost 20 years, winning championship medals on both sides of the border with Blackburn and Rangers.

Hendry met his wife-to-be when they were both 18 and lived in Dundee. Three years later they married.

Broughton Park Hopsital is facing legal action from Manchester law firm Pannone and Partners on behalf of five women who underwent cosmetic procedures at the clinic.

John Kitchingman, the law firm's medical lawyer, confirmed that five former patients are suing the private clinic for alleged negligence.