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A mum whose newborn son almost died of sepsis has shared her story in the hope it will help save lives.
Jack Godfrey was just one week old when he was diagnosed with sepsis in November 2017.
For the next six days his devastated mum Emma and dad James, from Gravesend, stayed by his bedside as they were faced with the prospect of losing their son.
Jack had been at home and was feeding well when James became concerned because he seemed constipated.
Neither he nor Emma had any idea Jack was in danger from sepsis.
Emma, 34, said: “Jack didn’t have the normal signs of sepsis that are publicised on posters, the red book on children’s health or on sides of ambulances but James got me to call the doctors just to get him checked.
“Luckily the doctor saw us within the hour and at first spoke to us about laxatives. He then asked us if he could just check Jack over. He checked Jack’s temperature and heart rate and found them both to be high.
“He then went onto his computer and made a phone call, told us Jack had suspected sepsis and that we should take him to hospital.
"He advised us that he was going to call an ambulance in order for Jack to be seen quicker."
They were then blue-lighted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.
During his hospital stay Jack had a lumbar puncture and was given two different types of antibiotics.
Emma said: “Jack was very poorly and his infection markers were very high. Everyone was devastated.
"My nine-year-old, Daniel, was cared for by his nan to let us concentrate on Jack. All of our family were so supportive and tried not to show us how worried they actually were.
“We were helped to remain strong through it all because of their support and knowing that the doctors and nurses were doing their very best. The nurses also made sure we had some time out to help prevent us from getting ill too because of the worry.”
Thankfully, Jack survived and he is now a happy and healthy three-year-old.
Emma is now urging people to learn about sepsis and its dangers and to support Sepsis Research so more people know the symptoms and the urgent need for treatment.
She added: “The nurses told us at the end of Jack’s stay in hospital how ill he actually was. We were so distraught due to not knowing enough about sepsis and to be honest we still don’t to this day. We were in the position that we had both planned what would happen if Jack didn’t make it but luckily those plans didn’t have to come into action.
“Jack is doing really well now and is a strong, cheeky little boy but I still get very nervous every time he seems under the weather.”
Emma is now a volunteer for Sepsis Research FEAT and is encouraging other to support the charity.
She said: "It is a charity close to my heart. They fund research so that more effective treatments can be designed for sepsis in the future and more lives can be saved.”
Sepsis Research FEAT also works to raise awareness of the life-threatening illness which kills around 50,000 people in the UK every year.
Emma added: "I am grateful for the messages and awareness the charity raises about sepsis. Our family have shared Jack’s story to help raise awareness and I help the charity whenever I can by sharing fundraising and awareness posts across social media."
Sepsis stories are particularly important in helping Sepsis Research FEAT raise awareness of the deadly illness. It is appealing for more people to share their stories, particularly young people under 25 who can help the charity explain sepsis to children in schools.
Colin Graham, chief operating officer at Sepsis Research FEAT, has thanked Emma and the charity's other volunteers to mark national Volunteers Week.
He said: "A huge thank you to Emma and all our volunteers for the support they have given to Sepsis Research FEAT over the last year. From taking part in fundraising activities to sharing their stories in order to raise awareness of sepsis, our volunteers play a vital role in the fight against this life-threatening illness.
“This Volunteers’ Week, we’re asking you to consider joining them in supporting this important cause. Maybe you have personal experience of sepsis and would like to tell your story to help others learn about the illness and recognise the symptoms."
Anyone interested in getting involved with Sepsis Research FEAT can get more information by emailing info@sepsisresearch.org.uk or visiting www.sepsisresearch.org.uk
