“I SAY to a lot of people now not to take their sight for granted... you don’t know how privileged you are until it has gone.”

Those were the words of Samantha Millard who 12 months ago was on a life support machine and battling to survive after taking the drug Tamiflu for suspected swine flu.

She suffered a severe allergic reaction to three tablets, taken on advice from NHS Direct, and within hours 72 hours developed life-threatening Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Tragically the teenager never had swine flu but her reaction to the drugs developed into toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome, known as Tens, and she would later discover she was the first person in the world to survive such a severe case.

The Bicester Community College student’s body was covered in blisters so severe her long hair had to be shaved off and she lost the top layer of skin.

Devastatingly, she was left blind and doctors do not know if she will ever see again.

But Samantha, 19, of Purslane Drive, Bicester, has staged a remarkable fight back and is planning ahead for the new year.

She said: “I have had to learn to walk again using a stick.

“I know my way around the house, but still sometimes get lost if things are out of place and have to shout for my mum.

“My head is solid now from banging into doors!”

She has taken up horse riding again and this year competed in a dressage contest at Witney’s New Yatt Riding For The Disabled, where she came second and was given a bravery award.

The teenager is taking other steps to lead the life she once knew, going to the gym and enjoying a rare night out at Bicester nightspot G’s Wine Bar.

During the summer her vision improved for a matter of seconds and she caught a glimpse of nephew Joshua Dale, now 18 months, who was just a baby when she fell ill.

Doctors hope her sight will eventually improve, although they are not sure to what extent.

In the past year she has undergone two eye operations. A major problem is her eyelashes roll under the lid and scratch the surface of her eyes, causing infections.

She split from boyfriend Tom Earl, 20, earlier this year over her concerns that he would be her “full time carer”. The couple, who have been going out since they were 15, got back together in August.

She said: “I say to a lot of people now not to take their sight for granted, you don’t know how privileged you are until it’s gone.”

Mum Debbie Van Horenbeeck said: “Her world has shrunk from what is was. Before she could do what she wanted.”

But she added: “We are really proud of Sam with how she has coped and remained positive.”

The family sought legal advice over taking action against Tamiflu’s maker, Roche, but were told they could not because side effects were listed in a disclaimer supplied with the medication.