Sepsis

Sepsis is estimated to affect more than 260,000 people each year in the UK and at least 44,000 of those affected will die. It kills more people each year in the UK than breast, bowel and prostate cancers combined.

Sepsis can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly. Sepsis can occur following chest or water infections, problems in the abdomen like burst ulcers, or simple skin injuries like cuts and bites.

There are 10,000 cases of Sepsis in children each year, 1000 of whom will die.

Sam's Story

Rebecca Howells' son Sam contracted Sepsis when he was 4 years old following a bout of pneumonia. Sam beat the odds and overcame a 5% chance of survival, facing brain damage, amputation and locked-in syndrome during his illness.

He is eight years old and has undergone nine operations over the last four years, and is now riding his bike and taking part in sports days.

Rebecca is keen that there is more awareness of Sepsis so no one has to go through what her family did four years ago. You can watch Sam’s story below.

Find out more about Sepsis by clicking the images below.