Vanessa Redgrave reveals the inspiring message daughter Joely Richardson gave her when Natasha died

British actress Vanessa Redgrave (L) arrives with her daughter actress Joely Richardson for the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Opera House in central London, on February 21, 2010

Daisy Devan, Joely Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson attend the Orange British Academy Film Awards 2010 at the Royal Opera House on February 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson attend the amfAR New York Gala co-sponsored by M.A.C. Cosmetics to Kick Off Fall 2010 Fashion Week at Cipriani 42nd Street on February 10, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

Vanessa Redgrave & her daughters, Natasha Richardson & Joely Richardson at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association which recently merged with the Christopher Reeve Foundation in New York City on November 14, 2000 (Photo: Nick Elgar/Getty Images)

Liam Neeson & Natasha Richardson, with her sister, Joely Richardson & their Mother, Vanessa Redgrave at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association which recently merged with the Christopher Reeve Foundation the event was held in New York City on November 14, 2000 (Photo: Nick Elgar/Getty Images)

20-month old Natasha Richardson with her mother Vanessa Redgrave and new-born sister Joely. Photo: Central Press, Getty Images

thumbnail: British actress Vanessa Redgrave (L) arrives with her daughter actress Joely Richardson for the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Opera House in central London, on February 21, 2010
thumbnail: Daisy Devan, Joely Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave
thumbnail: Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson attend the Orange British Academy Film Awards 2010 at the Royal Opera House on February 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
thumbnail: Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson attend the amfAR New York Gala co-sponsored by M.A.C. Cosmetics to Kick Off Fall 2010 Fashion Week at Cipriani 42nd Street on February 10, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
thumbnail: Vanessa Redgrave & her daughters, Natasha Richardson & Joely Richardson at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association which recently merged with the Christopher Reeve Foundation in New York City on November 14, 2000 (Photo: Nick Elgar/Getty Images)
thumbnail: Liam Neeson & Natasha Richardson, with her sister, Joely Richardson & their Mother, Vanessa Redgrave at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association which recently merged with the Christopher Reeve Foundation the event was held in New York City on November 14, 2000 (Photo: Nick Elgar/Getty Images)
thumbnail: 20-month old Natasha Richardson with her mother Vanessa Redgrave and new-born sister Joely. Photo: Central Press, Getty Images
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Vanessa Redgrave says her daughter's words inspired her to live.

The 80-year-old actress suffered a heart attack two years ago, but she's revealed that the encouragement of her second daughter, Joely Richardson, gave her the strength to fight her way back to full health.

Liam Neeson & Natasha Richardson, with her sister, Joely Richardson & their Mother, Vanessa Redgrave at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association which recently merged with the Christopher Reeve Foundation the event was held in New York City on November 14, 2000 (Photo: Nick Elgar/Getty Images)

Vanessa shared: "My eldest daughter died skiing and in the middle of being in hospital my second daughter, Joely Richardson, was with me.

"I said to her at one point, 'I'm sorry. I really don't think I can struggle on anymore'. She said the most wonderful thing. She did not say, 'Go on. You can do it. Go on.' She gave me a lovely smile and said, 'Well, if you feel you must go, then you should go. That would be good.'

"Because she gave me the relief, I felt strong again and felt I could continue."

As well as feeling grateful towards her daughter, Vanessa has also heaped praise on her surgeon, who she credits with saving her life. During an appearance on Swedish TV, the 'Julia' actress - who was treated by Britain's NHS - explained: "Because of wonderful surgery I am here.

Vanessa Redgrave & her daughters, Natasha Richardson & Joely Richardson at the 10th Anniversary benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association which recently merged with the Christopher Reeve Foundation in New York City on November 14, 2000 (Photo: Nick Elgar/Getty Images)

"Heart attacks make you funny. It does change you in lots of ways but I prefer to keep on the humorous side. They do affect you very much. You realise life is very precious."

Vanessa also opened up about her marriage to Italian actor Franco Nero, saying the duo have made a conscious effort to keep money issues out of their relationship.

20-month old Natasha Richardson with her mother Vanessa Redgrave and new-born sister Joely. Photo: Central Press, Getty Images

The London-born star - who married Franco, her second husband, in 2006 - shared: "Money ruins marriages completely in my view. We just arranged it so that we would not have anything to do with money at all."

Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson attend the Orange British Academy Film Awards 2010 at the Royal Opera House on February 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)