Life is precious, and we never know when everything can change in an instant. Rachel Day, a vibrant 29-year-old from Wales, knew how to light up any room with her infectious humour and zest for life. As a fitness enthusiast, judo champion, and lifeguard, she seemed the picture of health. But tragically, Rachel’s story took a devastating turn when she fell victim to sepsis.
After a lovely bank holiday weekend with friends, Rachel awoke on a Monday morning feeling unwell, later describing it as feeling like she was dying. What began as breathlessness and vomiting quickly escalated; her condition deteriorated alarmingly fast. Despite trips to the hospital, sepsis took over her body, leading to an unbearable situation where her body became swollen, her skin mottled, and she experienced unbearable pain.
In a heartbreaking final chapter, Rachel fought bravely, even communicating with her family after being brought out of a coma. She upheld her sense of humour until the very end but eventually succumbed, making a gut-wrenching decision to turn off life support. Rachel’s last wish was clear: raise awareness about sepsis, so no other family endures this tragedy.
Her parents, Bernie and Stevie, have since pledged to share the terrifying truth about sepsis. They champion the need for a sepsis screening process in hospitals and have already raised an incredible £60,000 for sepsis awareness. Their efforts ensure that her legacy lives on, educating others about the six crucial signs of sepsis.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Remember the six signs: slurred speech, extreme shivering or muscle pain, passing no urine, severe breathlessness, feeling like you might die, and mottled skin. On World Sepsis Day, let’s honour Rachel and others affected by being vigilant and informed. Your awareness could save a life. ❤️ #SepsisAwareness #AlwaysRemember