As paediatric nurses we are sadly very aware of the life changing effects of sepsis. We are constantly striving to help families avoid the devastating effects of sepsis, by knowing how to spot the signs and advocating for our little patients when they are poorly. Several of us have sadly said goodnight for the final time to patients as a result of sepsis or other preventable illnesses.

I (Kersten) have set up this page as both a nurse and a sepsis survivor myself, on behalf of the fabulous team on Louisa Cary Ward!

Although I am relatively new to the team, it seemed a great way to further raise awareness outside of the NHS, and support the work of the UK Sepsis Trust - and of course to further get to know my new work playmates!

We have such a lovely family feel within our team, and it has been heartwarming to have so many sign up to this challenge.

We have a range of fitness level, ages and backgrounds in our team - including our furry friends in some cases - and so we plan to run, walk, cycle, sea swim and maybe even rollerskate our way through those 60 miles and beyond!

On a personal note, it was my experience as a patient with sepsis, that encouraged me to return to in-hospital nursing; I had previously been working in the community setting for several years.

Sepsis wreaked havoc on me and so many others physically and emotionally. The mental scars of being told if I had left it just 24 hours longer I wouldn’t have seen my 30th birthday, have taken far longer to heal than the emergency surgery scars. However I now see these as my “war wounds” and a sign I wasn’t ready to depart this world just yet, and take them with me as badges of honour. Despite the bad memories, it has also had a hugely positive impact, by allowing me to ultimately meet my new work family and hopefully make a difference in our patients’ lives.

I am sure my lovely teammates will have their own stories to tell, and I will happily post them here if they choose to share them.

But for now, please wish us luck, give this link a share and maybe spare a penny or two for your friendly children’s nurses and healthcare assistants!

The UK Sepsis Trust also have the following to say:

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.