When my character ‘Nic Grundy’ died from sepsis on ‘The Archers’ earlier this year, she reflected thousands of real tragedies. ‘Nic’ was a healthy mother of three, she died within a week.

My encounter with sepsis was fictional but in researching and playing that role I have been profoundly moved by the real, life changing stories of those whose lives have been touched by this condition.

Sepsis is an insidious and brutal killer. It does not care how old you are or how healthy you are. It can be fatal or can potentially leave you with life changing disabilities.

It is EASILY preventable if caught in time.

I have been genuinely humbled by the reaction to the broadcast of ‘Nic’s’ death and the bravery and candour with which so many people have described their own very real and personal experiences. 

Please help me to raise awareness.

I knew what sepsis was. I didn’t know how quickly it kills.

I will be walking 50K in The Thames Path Challenge on 8th September for The UK Sepsis Trust. 

I will be joined by midwife Sarah Worker. Sarah trained as a nurse in 1992 and as a midwife in 1997. She has spent the majority of her career working at King’s College Hospital. Thirteen years of which have been spent on the King’s maternity unit Labour Ward. She has a special interest in complex and high dependency births. Sepsis is a major problem affecting pregnancy and childbirth. Sarah has cared for many, many women with sepsis over the years and her knowledge and expertise were integral to my research for ‘The Archers’ storyline.

The UK Sepsis Trust is a small charity run by a dedicated and passionate group of people.

Sepsis kills 44,000 people every year in the UK alone. Their team seeks to save lives and improve outcomes for survivors of sepsis by instigating political change, educating healthcare professionals, raising public awareness and providing support for those affected by this devastating condition.

We’d hugely appreciate your support. Even a pound could make a difference.... 

Or, if you’re feeling fit, why not join us or come and say ‘hello’ on the day.....

Contact Harry at: harry@sepsistrust.org for more information.

Arm yourself with knowledge, keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Know the signs:

https://sepsistrust.org/

Thank you so much!

Becky, Sarah & The UK Sepsis Trust. xx

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