Woman's half marathons for sister lost to sepsis

Gina Campanini (left) died from sepsis in September 2023

A woman is marking her sister's death from sepsis by running a half marathon.

Maria Campanini will take part in the Amazing Northampton Run on Sunday exactly two years after her sister Gina, a former graduate of the University of Northampton, died of the condition aged 30.

The 28-year-old has run a half marathon every month this year to raise funds for the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST), with more than £58,000 raised so far.

"My running challenge has been a good way to push myself, but also do something good for my body and mind as I grieve the loss of my sister," she said.

Maria Campanini will participate in the Amazing Northampton Run this weekend

Sepsis affects 245,000 people in the UK each year and claims 48,000 lives.

Gina had developed flu-like symptoms and was reassured by her GP that she likely had a viral infection.

But her condition deteriorated, and she was admitted to hospital with a Strep A infection that spread to her heart.

Despite intensive treatment, she died six days later.

The UKST says five people die every hour from the condition, which can begin with common infections such as chest or urinary tract infections.

Maria added: "My sister Gina was just such a light in so many people's lives. I won't ever get over this.

"But I know that grief comes because love came first."

Following the run in Northampton on Sunday, Maria will complete a full marathon in Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire where the family grew up, on what would have been Gina's 33rd birthday on 7 December.