Bert Newton: "I'm so glad I survived pneumonia"

Bert Newton has revealed that he feels very "glad" that he survived pneumonia.

The Australian television personality, who was hospitalised after being struck down with the condition last June, admitted that he initially "self diagnosed".

Newton told The Daily Telegraph: "I didn't have the sort of energy that my friends say I am renowned for... I was getting huffed and puffed.

"[My wife] Patti said, 'Do something about this'. I was one of those people that was inclined to think, 'This is going to be okay'.

"I'm just so glad I woke up to myself... and because of it I am able to be here today."

The 73-year-old star warned others not to be "ignorant" about the risks of pneumonia, saying: "You've got to realise you can't do everything alone. You shouldn't, you can't, you are not allowed to sit it out."

Newton was also hospitalised in Singapore earlier this year after suffering from a "heavy cold".

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