MARIANNE FAITHFULL - FAITHFULL: 'I'VE HAD HEPATITIS FOR 12 YEARS'

Actress/singer MARIANNE FAITHFULL is "lucky to be alive" after suffering from Hepatitis C for the past 12 years. The 60-year-old, who battled breast cancer last year (06), let slip she contracted the viral disease during an interview on British television on Thursday (11Oct07). Faithfull has given up alcohol to avoid aggravating the condition which could lead to fatal liver disease. She says, "I suppose it would be nice to have a glass of wine. But it really wouldn't be good for my health. "You know, I do have Hep C. And the worst thing for that is alcohol. "I found out 12 years ago. Life and my health have become much more precious to me." Faithfull, a former heroin addict, made no link between her reckless youth and contracting the virus. However, she admits having taken "a lot of risks" in her lifetime. She adds, "I was incredibly lucky. I shouldn't be alive, I know that."