Sepsis teen makes uni return one year after illness

Hamish Wilson, 19, has returned to the University of Southampton one year on from falling ill with sepsis

A teenager who lost parts of all four limbs to sepsis says he is proud of himself as he returns to university a year after he fell ill.

Hamish Wilson, from Crowborough, fell ill with sepsis three weeks into his first year at the University of Southampton in October 2024, leading to the amputation of both legs, a hand and the fingers of his remaining hand.

Now, the 19-year-old philosophy student says he is back to doing "everything I used to do", adding he does not want to let his experience change him and "let it win".

He said: "I feel quite proud of myself that I've managed to come back because I remember a lot of people in hospital were telling me that they thought one year was too early."

Hamish added: "I do everything I used to do. It's fun living with my friends again.

"I think there's no point in letting something like this change you because otherwise you're letting it win. It feels nice to be back and I'm impressed with myself."

He said he was "excited to actually use my brain for once", adding that reading philosophical texts while away from university has helped him to think about the impact of his experiences.

Will McNeil, Hamish's personal tutor at university, said Hamish had been "very philosophical" about his illness and that the subject "gives you a sense of perspective".

Hamish, who now lives in an adapted home with eight friends he made in his first three weeks, says he will enjoy his university experience, going to clubs with friends and taking part in his sports society.

Lexie Bonnett, one of Hamish's housemates, said the group had become "really strong friends" in the past year

He added that he now wanted to get running blades, so he could begin to run again.

Lexie Bonnett, one of Hamish's housemates and friends, said Hamish falling ill was "difficult for us because we didn't know each other very well", but that they have "all come out really strong friends".

She said: "We've been keeping in touch and I'm so glad.

"I'm so proud of him - you'd never know what he's been through."