Woman raising Sepsis awareness after grandad's death

Kellie Green was spurred to act after her grandad fell ill with sepsis in 2021

A woman who quit her job as a nurse to raise awareness of sepsis following the death of her grandfather has said it is vital people are aware of the symptoms.

Kellie Green's grandfather Roger John Farr fell ill from the condition in 2021 at the age of 88.

Ms Green, a former paediatric A&E sister from Cannock, now teaches first aid to families and is hosting a fundraising fun day in Shropshire to benefit the Sepsis Trust.

Ms Green said: "Equipping families and carers with the knowledge of symptoms, how to spot them and what to do is the main reason why I do this."

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Farr experienced discomfort in a foot although it was only when his discomfort got more acute and he became disoriented that medical care was sought.

From home he was taken to a GP who had the patient sent to hospital where it was discovered a foot infection had turned into sepsis.

It happens when the immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage a body's own tissues and organs.

"The awareness wasn't there - I lost Grandad and thought 'this has to change'," said Ms Green.

She has since used her experiences to launch a business in her grandfather's name - RJF First Aid Limited.

She said: "It's okay to ask questions and question healthcare professionals.

"I don't want my grandfather's death to be in vain. I don't want it to happen to any other family."

The fundraiser is being held at Leegomery Community Centre in Shropshire on 27 April.