In advance thank you so very much for taking time to read, why I have chosen to support The UK Sepsis Trust , 10K Steps a Day In July 2026 Challenge.

I'm one of the lucky ones, I Survived Sepsis.

Its been just over five years now since my health deteriorated, I had flu like symptoms and felt tired.The tiredness I put down to just the long journey back home after visiting friends and family in the Scottish Boarders.

Three days later whilst at home I deteriorated and fortunately for me Martyn my husband was at home.I remember very little about my journey in the ambulance, only a memory of going into A&E and hearing resus.

I had Sepsis and went into Septic Shock and was unknowingly being transferred to ICU.My family were told I may not survive the weekend.

Waking up from my induced coma I was so confused to learn what had happened to me.Sepsis had ravaged my body, leaving me with life long injuries.

I spent four weeks in ICU before being transferred to a plastics and burns unit.Its here I had all my amputations and became the new me, a Quad amputee, my lower legs and all my fingers were taken.I felt incredibly sad and looked so very different, all too hard to comprehend what had happened to me.

Odstock was my safe place and for a further three and a half months,I spent recovering from numerous surgeries, building up my strength and preparing me for my new life a head and the next stage of my recovery.

Abdapting, to be able and not unable ...

Roehampton in London, Intense Rehab for Amputees.

It is here I learnt to walk again, after a week of being there my residual lower limbs were cast and then fitted, I chose gun metal grey for the colour of my new legs.I Was determined to walk, one small step at a time and not without pain.Learning to live differently to survive, achieving the simplest of tasks.

After six weeks I had ticked all the boxes and was ready to finally go home.Excited and nervous all at the time mixed emotions, knowing the reality of going home was just the beginning to adjusting and adapting to my new life.

Leaving Roehampton, walking and stepping into our car and then finally home and in through the open door.

My journey has been a roller coaster of highs and lows testing every little bit of me.

Martyn, Sam and Jess thank you for being there for me x

Thank you to all the Health care Professions for working tirelessly saving my life, taking the greatest of care of me physically and emotionally through out my journey.

I look back over the last five years and think about what I have achieved.

Sepsis took so much away from me and my family, I was determined to not to let it define me.

So for all of July, everyday I will be putting my best foot forward and walking 10K steps in support of The Sepsis UK Trust.

Thank you

Best wishes

Helen x

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.