Nurse Who Lost Her Mum to Sepsis Raises Awareness of Silent Killer

Sonia Connell, a Sepsis Lead Nurse at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, is using her personal tragedy to raise awareness about sepsis, a potentially fatal condition that claimed the life of her mum, Joan, last year. Sonia is determined to make a difference this September during Sepsis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on this life-threatening medical emergency.

Every year, 245,000 people in the UK are affected by sepsis, and 48,000 die from it. Sonia, marking 30 years with the trust this year, spoke about her mission: “As Sepsis Lead Nurse, I am extremely passionate about raising the awareness of sepsis and in providing support to sepsis survivors. And last year we tragically lost our mum Joan to sepsis. This experience was incredibly painful but has made me more determined to raise awareness of this silent killer.”

In memory of her mum, Sonia is hosting several fundraising events throughout September to support the UK Sepsis Trust. One of the main events will be a pilates session on Tuesday, September 2, at the Cottam Community Centre in Preston, running from 6 pm to 8 pm, reported Lancs Live.

The event is open to anyone, regardless of age, with participants asked to bring a bottle of water, wear something red or orange, and, if possible, a mat. For more details, visit the event page.

Sonia is also organizing a “Sepsis: Save a Life Conference” at Royal Preston Hospital on Wednesday, September 10, where she will teach healthcare workers how to identify and treat sepsis.

A raffle will be held during the event, offering the chance to win a baby hamper. Raffle tickets are available from the Delivery Suite at Royal Preston Hospital.

Additionally, Ward 8 at Royal Preston Hospital will host a colouring competition for Paediatric Sepsis, inviting children of all ages, including sepsis survivors and their loved ones, to take part.

The winner, who will be announced on Friday, September 12, will receive a Sepsis Superhero Gift Bag. Children can pick up a sepsis-themed colouring sheet from Ward 8.

Sepsis is a severe reaction to infection, where the immune system overreacts and damages the body’s tissues and organs. It’s not contagious but can cause symptoms such as confusion, rapid breathing, sweating without cause, dizziness, and shivering. In some cases, it can progress to septic shock, a severe drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.

Symptoms of septic shock include extreme confusion, being unable to stand up, or feeling excessively sleepy and unable to stay awake. Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable, including babies under one year, people over 75, those with diabetes, people with weakened immune systems, and those who have recently had surgery or a serious illness.

Sonia’s efforts to raise awareness of sepsis are a powerful reminder of how essential it is to act fast and seek medical help if you or someone you know shows signs of the condition.