Thank you for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.

I have set up this page as I will be running the Great North Run (Half a marathon) on September 11th 2016 in memory of my nephew and Godson Thomas Tagg.

On 23rd June 2015 Thomas tragically lost his life to the Sepsis virus. Thomas was 2 years old and was always such a happy little character. I don't remember a time when he didn't have a cheeky smile on his face. His loving parents, Stuart & Liz Tagg adored him, as did Thomas' big brother Lucas.

Thomas had Chickenpox & a high temperature and wasn't eating much due to this. On June 23rd my brother Stuart was at home with Thomas when suddenly Thomas stopped breathing. Stuart rang 999 and did everything instructed to him until the paramedics arrived. The paramedics did everything they could, as did the hospital staff once Thomas arrived at Wigan Hospital, but nothing could save him. Thomas had developed Group A Streptococcal Sepsis and my brother and sister in law had lost their little boy.

As Thomas was on his way to hospital being treated too, I drove my parents to the hospital, feeling numb all the way there I still felt that he'd pull through. The wait in the waiting room in the hospital felt like a lifetime, seeing my brother come into the room to tell us that his boy had passed away was the worst thing I'll personally ever have to witness.

Since that night Stuart, Liz and Lucas have astounded & inspired me with how brave they've been and how they are using Thomas' legacy to raise money and awareness through the Sepsis charity. As has the whole family, I am proud of them all. Me and my girlfriend wanted to play a big part and also wanted to challenge ourselves, doing our 1st half a marathon is a great way to do that. Along with Stuart, all three of us are running the Great North Run together and I'm sure Thomas will be with us every step of the race to drive us on. He has inspired me to look at life in such a new way and to cherish my time with loved ones.

It will be an extra special run for myself as not only will I be running for my beautiful nephew, I am also a Newcastle United fan. Although they aren't much to watch on the pitch at times, it will be memorable running the famous run in my favourite city.

I want to play a part in helping Thomas' legacy grow and make sure that his tragic loss wasn't for nothing. That is why I am working alongside UK Sepsis Trust to raise funds and awareness to prevent other families having to suffer what my family has had to suffer.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening illness caused by your body's response to an infection. Your immune system protects you from many illnesses and infections, but it's also possible for it to go into overdrive in response to an infection.

Sepsis develops when the chemicals the immune system releases into the bloodstream to fight an infection cause inflammation throughout the entire body instead. Severe cases of Sepsis can lead to septic shock, which is a medical emergency.

How can we help?

Every year in the UK there are 150,000 cases of Sepsis, resulting in a staggering 44,000 deaths - more than bowel, breast and colon cancer combined. The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) was established as a charity in 2012 with the objective of saving 12,500 lives every year. We are committed to changing the way the NHS deals with Sepsis, to increasing public awareness and supporting those affected by Sepsis. Every penny you donate is valuable in helping us achieve our goals, together we can help to mend Sepsis.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IT COSTS JUST £90 TO SAVE A LIFE FROM SEPSIS.

£5 provides an information booklet to relatives of 10 patients admitted to ITU.

£10 will allow us to distribute 200 leaflets to a GP surgery.

£999 will provide one hospital with a 'Sepsis pack' to aid implementation.

Once again, Thank you for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.