Backpacker thought he would die in Aussie outback; RECOVERY.

Byline: STEPHEN WHITE

RESCUED Brit backpacker Jamie Neale left hospital yesterday and told how he feared he would die in the Australian bush.

Jamie, 19, needed just two days to recover from hypothermia and dehydration following his 12-day ordeal in the Blue Mountains.

And he told police: "I was walking about trying to find my way out because I thought I was going to die in the bush."

Jamie, speaking outside the hospital in Katoomba yesterday, added: "I'd like to thank everyone for their thoughts and especially all the staff at the Blue Mountains hospital."

The student - who went trekking on July 3 without a phone or a free satellite beacon to tell searchers his location - will give an interview to Australian TV on Sunday.

There has been some scepticism over his claims that he survived freezing temperatures while eating just berries, nettles and nuts.

But police commander Andy McWhirter insisted: "Everything gels. Everything that has been said puts him in areas which he can describe.

"There is nothing at all to suggest this is anything but the greatest tale of survival we have seen in the mountains."

Jamie will donate most of his EUR25,000 TV fee to the hospital and rescue organisations.

The teenager, of Muswell Hill, North London, is due back in Britain next week.

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COMING HOME Jamie