I am a Sepsis Survivor - I prefer the description of Sepsis Warrior! Surviving Sepsis back in July 2015 took a long time to come to terms with, both physically and mentally. Life changed in all sorts of ways.

I had a misdiagnosed blocked kidney for a couple of months when it all went pear shaped in the middle of July 2015. Luckily I was in the hospital when the worst happened and my body began to shut down. I was told it was only because I was fit that I survived. I went from someone who competed in Half Ironman triathlons and Half Marathons to aiming to walk the length of the hallway in my home. The physical recovery was hard but the mental recovery was tougher. I tried to go back to work but the chronic fatigue, clunky brain and complete lack of stamina in all aspects of my life eventually led me to taking partial ill-health retirement in 2018. Since then I trained up in everything that got me back to where I am and created Gillian Watt - Wellbeing Practitioner (aka AndBreathe123) and now support people of all ages going through tricky times. I have learned to look after myself and most of the time function the way I want to by balancing what I do with rest time in between.

Throughout the most difficult times, the UK Sepsis Trust were there for me. I knew I could phone them to talk to someone for emotional and mental support. They were a lifeline when I was feeling at my lowest.

In the first few months of 2023, three people known to me also survived Sepsis. We have all survived but Sepsis changed our lives, some more than others.

I want to give something back. UK Sepsis Trust provided a lot of support in the early days and I know they are currently supporting many others. For my 50th birthday (11 years ago) I did 50 things I had never done before. It was suggested a few times that I should do a skydive but I said it was a step too far for me! Well, now I'm in my 60s, it's time to take a huge leap out of my comfort zone for a cause that is very close to my heart. I will be taking part in a skydive near St Andrews on SUnday, 22nd October.

"Fundraising is at the heart of our fight against sepsis.

It raises awareness, and sparks the question: “What is sepsis? In this way, fundraising can help prevent thousands of deaths & unnecessary suffering through knowledge & awareness of the symptoms.

It also funds our vital support work, Public Awareness, Educating Health Professionals & helping people adjust to life after sepsis through accessing our Support Group network. We also lobby government to support our cause and makes vital changes in areas such as the NHS." UK Sepsis Trust