On Sunday the 5th February Laura was out with her family watching the Widnes Wild Ice hockey team ( 6 : 4 to the Wild! ) less than 12 hours later she was rushed to Whiston hospital in a critical condition. Laura was quickly diagnosed with Pneumococcal Septicaemia and was sedated while her body fought the infection. Thanks to the skills and dedication of the critical care team Laura survived, but, this was the start of a new and life changing chapter of her life.

At 25 Laura was living a very full life, recently married, new home and employed as a graphic designer. In her spare time she enjoyed a number of hobbies including climbing and walking and also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader. Following a long time gaining accreditation Laura was due to be awarded the Duke of Edinburgh gold award and Queen's Scout award in the Spring.

Laura now faces the challenge of regaining her independence as she adjusts to the life changing injuries caused by sepsis. To date Laura has undergone several major surgeries. Her fingers have been shortened, her left leg amputated below the knee and her right leg has been reconstructed, its function is uncertain at this stage.

Laura's ambition is to regain her independence: to walk again, drive and return to work. In order to achieve this Laura will need a range of specialist equipment and adaptations to her home. Her needs will change as she progresses through a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

We are fundraising not only to support Laura's personal requirements, but also to provide some funding for those charitable organisations, nominated by Laura, that will be providing the specialist equipment and therapy that she, and others like her, require in order to regain independence.