Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page. I’m taking part in Step Up To Sepsis in aid of the UK Sepsis Trust.

In May, I suffered severe septic shock which caused my heart to stop for 3 minutes as my organs began to fail. I was cared for in the High Dependency Unit by incredible doctors and nurses, and I truly wouldn’t be here today without them.

Although surviving sepsis was the first battle, recovery has been a long journey and still is. Sepsis can have life-changing effects on the body, and many survivors face months or even years of physical and emotional recovery. This can be by having nightmares or even a simple 10 minute walk around a shop then leaving you in bed the next day. After spending time critically ill in hospital, I lost much of my strength and had to learn to walk again. Everyday tasks that once seemed simple became huge milestones, and my recovery is still ongoing.

Surviving severe septic shock and a cardiac arrest is something I never imagined I would experience, and I know how fortunate I am to be here today. My experience has shown me just how devastating sepsis can be and how quickly it can become life-threatening.

Sepsis affects around 245,000 people in the UK every year and is linked to approximately 48,000 deaths. That’s why continued research, education and awareness are so important. Earlier recognition, improved treatment and ongoing support for survivors can save lives and help more people recover from this devastating condition.

The UK Sepsis Trust’s mission is to save lives from sepsis and improve outcomes for survivors. They do this by instigating political change, educating healthcare professionals, raising public awareness and providing support to those affected.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean so much to me and will help support this vital work. Thank you for your support.