In April 2026, I’ll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in memory of Holly-May — a beautiful, kind, and vibrant 19-year-old whose life was heartbreakingly cut short by sepsis.

In the week before she died, Holly-May visited her GP surgery several times feeling increasingly unwell, she was left undiagnosed of Flu, Strep A and Covid. She then attended the emergency department later that week — despite firstly suspecting sepsis, tragically, there was no urgency in recognising or treating sepsis. Seeking help and being in the very place where she should have been safe, her condition worsened rapidly, and she passed away within a few hours.

Holly-May was truly beautiful inside and out. She radiated energy and warmth, the kind of person whose presence could light up any room. Bubbly, outgoing, and endlessly kind-hearted, she always put others before herself. Her world revolved around her family and friends, and she was eager to embrace everything that life had to offer.

From a young age, Holly-May’s caring nature shone through. She worked two jobs, both centred around caring for children, and had previously completed an apprenticeship in a local care home, working tirelessly through the covid lockdown to ensure her residents were looked after. Her dream was to build a career in mental health nursing or a similar role where she could continue helping others.

Her family’s world has been shattered by her loss. To lose a child in any circumstance is unthinkable, but to lose one so young, so full of promise, and in a situation where greater urgency and earlier treatment might have saved her, is utterly devastating. Their courage in sharing her story is helping to raise awareness, shining a light on the urgent need for quicker recognition and response to sepsis in all settings.

As a healthcare professional, I see every day how vital it is to act quickly when sepsis is suspected — and I also know, with deep sadness, what can happen when that urgency isn’t there. That’s why I’m running this half marathon: to honour Holly-May’s memory, to stand alongside her incredible family, and to help share her story so that lessons are learned and lives can be saved.

By supporting The UK Sepsis Trust, I hope to help them continue their vital work: raising awareness, educating healthcare professionals and the public, supporting families affected by sepsis, and campaigning for change so that delays in recognition and treatment never happen again.

Every mile I run in April 2026 will be for Holly-May — for the life she should still be living, for her family who miss her every moment, and for all those who have lost someone to sepsis. Every donation, no matter the size, will help The UK Sepsis Trust save lives through education, advocacy, and awareness.

Sepsis can affect anyone, at any age, at any time — but awareness and urgency truly save lives.

If running these 13.1 miles helps even one person, where by healthcare works recognise the signs sooner and act with greater urgency, then it’s worth every single step.

Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and for helping to keep Holly-May’s memory alive.