In April 2026, I will be taking on the huge challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for The UK Sepsis Trust.

I am still currently in intensive care after having sepsis myself. I suffered with stomach pains and fever for 6 days before my parents and boyfriend had to really encourage me call 111, who said I need to go straight to A&E.

After lots of uncertainty and tests, it was clear I was septic and it was decided I needed an emergency laparoscopy.

My surgeons said I had a burst ovarian cyst that they believe burst 6 days prior when I first felt the pain. This led to infection in my stomach area, explaining the pain and the fever I’d had for the last 6 days, and then of course, to sepsis.

I’m now 5 days post surgery and doing remarkably well. But I understand this is not the case for so many people. I have a long road of recovery ahead, but at the end of the year when I’m feeling healed and healthy, I will be in training mode.

It just shows how precious life is. It’s been a scary time not only for myself but my friends and family so let’s raise awareness and get fundraising.

Every hour, sepsis takes 5 lives. That’s 48000 a year. Know the signs:

How to spot sepsis in adults :

Slurred speech or confusion

Extreme shivering or muscle pain

Passing no urine (in a day)

Severe breathlessness

It feels like you’re going to die

Skin mottled or discoloured

One of my best friends Maz, said she was going to run for The UK Sepsis Trust and I said you know what, I’ll do it too!!

Life is precious, hug your loved ones!!

Thank you so much in advance for donating whatever you can, it really will make a massive difference. It’s very close to my heart. Han x

Update 9th Feb 2026:

My story has been picked up online as heartbreakingly, we lost our gorgeous black lab Gem, days after I’d returned home from hospital. She had an infected uterus that led to sepsis. Thankfully from my own symptoms and new knowledge of sepsis, we got her to the vets quickly and managed to save her for a few days.

We then made the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep, because the vets said it may clear temporarily but not for good. She was suffering, bless her heart. We’ll miss her forever!

So now, more than ever for me, sepsis awareness is so important. It’s not only important to be able to recognise or ask about in humans but animals too.

I’ve struggled the last couple of months to find my energy and feel mentally well. The euphoria of being alive has worn off and I’m finding life so difficult because so much has changed. We’ve experienced loss and my body is not responding like it used to. My mind is struggling with that. But one day at a time! I’ll get there… hopefully in time for the half marathon! Wish me luck! I’m going to need it!

Thank you so much for your donations so far, you’ve been incredibly generous. It means the world!

Love, Han x