Team Karen #TheSepsisSurvivor

Karen is a 53 year old, normal, down to earth, fun loving, and straight talking woman, who’s loved by all. Although a very popular Nurse serving 16 years at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Karen has given a total of 33 years’ service to the NHS, and has recently become more well-known for her sudden ill health and fight against sepsis.

Following a short illness of flu-like symptoms over a few days, Karen was admitted to Derriford Hospital with Sepsis of an unknown cause.

Karen deteriorated rapidly, resulting in being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. She went in to multi organ failure also requiring dialysis. Karen had to undergo emergency surgery to remove part of her bowel and spleen, staying on the Intensive Care Unit, sedated and ventilated on multiple organ support for a period of time.

This was a horrendous time Karen's loved ones, who were told she may not survive. For those who know Karen, will confirm what fight and spirit she has an individual. Much to everyone's relief, Karen had survived her initial fight with sepsis and began a slow recovery. Due to the sepsis, Karen had also suffered problems with the circulation to her hands and feet. She knew she would lose her fingers on both hands, but it soon became apparent that Karen would need to make a decision to have both of her legs amputated below the knee. This came as a massive blow to Karen as she was making amazing progress with her recovery.

After a heart wrenching decision, Karen underwent her surgery to remove both of her lower limbs. But despite everything, no matter how life changing, Karen somehow managed to keep her positivity alive, saying she still "had so much to live and fight for" and is determined to walk again.

Karen's fight has been totally inspirational for all who have made this journey with her, and her positivity continues as she awaits an imminent hospital admission to remove her fingers.

Karen may be well known for being an amazing Nurse who's dedicated her whole life to the NHS, but Karen is also a life-partner.... a daughter.... a mother.... a sister.... a best friend.... a friend.... a neighbour.... and for that reason, we want to raise as much money as possible to go towards buying Karen the best prosthetics in order for her to return to the active life her and Lyndon lived, before this horrible illness took away not only her independence, but a big part of who she was.

Karen knows she won’t be able to return to work within her role as a Nurse. However, Karen is already in discussions to support working with the newly qualified Nurses, Midwives & Operating Department Practitioners on the Preceptorship programme at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust with some educational sessions to raise awareness on Sepsis and how to treat it.

Please Note: Karen, and her family have asked that all press, TV and other publications refrain from making direct contact with them for interviews, and respect their space at this time while they come to terms with these circumstances. They will be happy to have the interviews that have been requested, but in their own time. Thank you.

Sponsored Events taking place:

Two Derriford Hospital Nurses, Gary Hallett & Dan Fowell are undertaking a triple challenge, for TeamKaren - #TheSepsisSurvivor (Other Nurses and Family/Friends are also joining Gary & Dan for some elements of the challenge)

On Sunday 19th May 2019, they will be undertaking the Plymouth Half Marathon, also being joined by fellow nurses Claire Percival & Judy Walker. On Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st May, they will undertake a 100 mile bike ride. Then on Wednesday 22nd May they will travel to Wales where Claire, and Karen’s partner Lyndon,will join them to climb Mount Snowdon on Thursday 23rd May.

To celebrate the completion of this challenge, on Friday 24th May, Karen herself and her Sister Debbie, will join Lyndon, Gary, Dan and Claire to undertake the Zip-Wire challenge over the quarry, which Karen & Lyndon completed the week before Karen fell ill.

Please, please, please, show your support for this massive and difficult challenge by sponsoring TeamKaren #TheSepsisSurvivor - any amount, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated and will go towards making this special lady’s life just a little bit normal again.

Other future events:

- Quiz & curry night (details to be announced soon).

Past Events:

- Cake sale on Wolf Ward at Derriford Hospital on Wednesday 31st October 2018 organised by Christina McCorrmick (Raised TBC)

- Christmas 2018 raffle with many amazing prizes/experiences donated by local communities & companies. (Total Raised was £1187)

- Sponsored swim by Karen's Mother-in -Law in October 2018 (raised £440)

- Coffee & cake and table top sale organised by Teresa Thorniley on Wednesday 13th March 2019 raised £220

- Easter Raffle by Anne-Marie Ratcliffe & Derriford Hospital's Honeyford Ward, raised £660

- Sponsored walk by Christopher Chappell Raised £105

- Live music & hog roast charity night raised £2280

- Guitar auction (made & donated by Neil Ravey) raised £250

- Sponsored swimathon by Sue Ronson and team members Helen, Kim, Sarah & Sharon from the Lions Club raised £315

- Coffee Morning by Derriford's HCA Apprenticeship Team raised £24:60

Please use this page to support and provide sponsorship for organised events.

Please click here to access the donations only page (by Ellie Collins) https://www.gofundme.com/xby6rt-help-for-karen