The UK Sepsis Trust

Alex Edwards

Alex Edwards

Alex Edwards

My Story

What is it?

It's a 100 mile bike ride, on the 28th May 2023. Eek!

What is Sepsis UK?

(Taken from the UK Sepsis Trust page)

"It raises awareness, and sparks the question: “What is sepsis? In this way, fundraising can help prevent thousands of deaths & unnecessary suffering through knowledge & awareness of the symptoms.

It also funds our vital support work, Public Awareness, Educating Health Professionals & helping people adjust to life after sepsis through accessing our Support Group network. We also lobby government to support our cause and makes vital changes in areas such as the NHS."

Why am I doing this?

Dad didn’t have slurred speech, he was still weeing, his skin was normal and his breathing seemingly fine. I’m sharing this story as from all those involved ranging from family, paramedics, nurses, consultants, even senior consultants from other departments, not one of us asked ‘Could it be Sepsis?’.

I hope more people take the time to learn not just the immediate symptoms, but the hidden signs too. Unfortuantely for Dad, this came too late, but I hope with widespread education, his story doesn't need to be repeated for another family.

Where does cycling come in?

Taking part in Ride London 2023 not only gives me the opportunity to spread awareness of the hidden side of sepsis in Dad's name, but also allows me to proudly push on with a newfound passion for cycling I know he would be proud of.

We toyed with the idea of giving cycling a go 'once the weather got better', but unfortunately Dad didn't get the opportunity. 

Somehow, the stars aligned and in May 2021, I picked up my first bike and the Saturday Social Club was formed. I've made friends for life and been well and truly bitten by the bug.

I don't just pedal for the cafe stops (and Christmas dinners).. honest! (Pics to come...)

Dad's Story

Believe it or not, this is the short version!

Back in November 2015, my Dad started with a few cold-like symptoms on a normal Thursday. It came across as a nasty cold and we prescribed normal medications, change into pyjamas, plenty of cups of tea with biscuits and an early night.

Moving into Friday, not much had changed but he thought he'd try power through given we were so close to the weekend where he could rest up for two days. By the time the afternoon came, his colleagues sent him home early as all key work had been completed and he was clearly struggling. Another early night and round of tablets, we had hoped this was 'the worst of the cold' coming out.

Fast forward to Sunday morning when an ambulance was called out following rapid deterioration in Dad's condition. The paramedics ran their checks including for any rashes, aversion to light etc which could indicate meningitis. All came back clear and yet, nobody ever uttered the Sepsis word.

Once at the hospital, test after test was conducted and we were still no closer to any answers. Doctors, consultants, nurses and specialists were called from around the hopsital to discuss dad's condition and figure out what was happening - even with all of this expert knowledge in one room, we hadn't heard the Sepsis word. 

Sadly, we lost Dad at around 11am that morning, two weeks before his 63rd birthday. The meningococcal bacteria eventually caused Sepsis, overwhelming his body and triggering and life-threatening response to infection that lead to tissue damage, organ failure and his death.

The UK Sepsis Trust

Raising for:

The UK Sepsis Trust
318%

Funded

  • Target
    £450
  • Raised so far
    £1,430
  • Number of donors
    67

My Story

What is it?

It's a 100 mile bike ride, on the 28th May 2023. Eek!

What is Sepsis UK?

(Taken from the UK Sepsis Trust page)

"It raises awareness, and sparks the question: “What is sepsis? In this way, fundraising can help prevent thousands of deaths & unnecessary suffering through knowledge & awareness of the symptoms.

It also funds our vital support work, Public Awareness, Educating Health Professionals & helping people adjust to life after sepsis through accessing our Support Group network. We also lobby government to support our cause and makes vital changes in areas such as the NHS."

Why am I doing this?

Dad didn’t have slurred speech, he was still weeing, his skin was normal and his breathing seemingly fine. I’m sharing this story as from all those involved ranging from family, paramedics, nurses, consultants, even senior consultants from other departments, not one of us asked ‘Could it be Sepsis?’.

I hope more people take the time to learn not just the immediate symptoms, but the hidden signs too. Unfortuantely for Dad, this came too late, but I hope with widespread education, his story doesn't need to be repeated for another family.

Where does cycling come in?

Taking part in Ride London 2023 not only gives me the opportunity to spread awareness of the hidden side of sepsis in Dad's name, but also allows me to proudly push on with a newfound passion for cycling I know he would be proud of.

We toyed with the idea of giving cycling a go 'once the weather got better', but unfortunately Dad didn't get the opportunity. 

Somehow, the stars aligned and in May 2021, I picked up my first bike and the Saturday Social Club was formed. I've made friends for life and been well and truly bitten by the bug.

I don't just pedal for the cafe stops (and Christmas dinners).. honest! (Pics to come...)

Dad's Story

Believe it or not, this is the short version!

Back in November 2015, my Dad started with a few cold-like symptoms on a normal Thursday. It came across as a nasty cold and we prescribed normal medications, change into pyjamas, plenty of cups of tea with biscuits and an early night.

Moving into Friday, not much had changed but he thought he'd try power through given we were so close to the weekend where he could rest up for two days. By the time the afternoon came, his colleagues sent him home early as all key work had been completed and he was clearly struggling. Another early night and round of tablets, we had hoped this was 'the worst of the cold' coming out.

Fast forward to Sunday morning when an ambulance was called out following rapid deterioration in Dad's condition. The paramedics ran their checks including for any rashes, aversion to light etc which could indicate meningitis. All came back clear and yet, nobody ever uttered the Sepsis word.

Once at the hospital, test after test was conducted and we were still no closer to any answers. Doctors, consultants, nurses and specialists were called from around the hopsital to discuss dad's condition and figure out what was happening - even with all of this expert knowledge in one room, we hadn't heard the Sepsis word. 

Sadly, we lost Dad at around 11am that morning, two weeks before his 63rd birthday. The meningococcal bacteria eventually caused Sepsis, overwhelming his body and triggering and life-threatening response to infection that lead to tissue damage, organ failure and his death.