BRAVE Crossgates nurse Pauline Cafferkey is continuing to fight for her life as she battles the deadly Ebola virus in a London hospital.

Pauline (39), who grew up in the village between Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath, was in Sierra Leone volunteering as a healthcare worker to help fight the disease and was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in London last week after it emerged she had contracted the virus herself.

After being treated with blood plasma and an experimental anti-viral drug, Pauline had been able to sit up in bed, as well as talk and read, but on Saturday the hospital released a statement announcing that her condition had deteriorated and is now critical.

As Pauline continues to battle the lethal disease, which has killed nearly 8000 people since the outbreak began, members of the Crossgates community rallied around her and her family with their messages of support.

Cowdenbeath MSP Alex Rowley praised the "heroism" of Pauline and said everybody's thoughts and prayers were for a full recovery.

“It just shows that we have unsung heroes we don’t know about - we’d probably never know that someone local had been out there saving lives if she hadn’t contracted the disease herself," he said.

Cowdenbeath councillor Peter Lockhart also praised Pauline’s bravery and said it was "tragic" for the Crossgates community.

“It’s just so sad after putting herself out there in the danger zone - it shows the risks people take to help others and it is a testament to her character," he added.

Crossgates and Mossgreen Community Council chairman Robert Arnott also wished a full recovery for Pauline.

“I was sorry to hear what’s happened,” he said. “The folk in the village hope she makes a full recovery.

“There is a good community spirit in Crossgates and that was extended abroad when she went out there to help people. Everybody is hoping it turns out okay. She’s in the best place and we just have to hope.”