**Cardiff Students Unite in Colourful Run for Sepsis Awareness and Support for Quadruple Amputee Peer**
A sea of orange and blue swept through Cardiff’s Bute Park as hundreds of university students laced up their trainers on Sunday, aiming to raise both funds and awareness for Lily McGarry, a beloved Cardiff University medical student who has recently undergone a life-altering ordeal. The event, vibrant with solidarity and hope, marked a gathering of around 400 students brought together by a shared cause—supporting one of their own and shining a light on the often misunderstood threat of sepsis.
Lily McGarry, 23, was in the final year of her medical degree when she was suddenly struck by severe illness in January. What first seemed to be routine “flu-like symptoms” soon spiralled into a diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia, a swift and devastating infection which ultimately led to septic shock. In the weeks that followed, Lily underwent quadruple amputation in a bid to save her life. By all accounts, Lily’s story has moved not only her university peers but thousands across the UK, who have been following her inspiring journey of strength and recovery.
With Lily facing enormous challenges ahead, both in terms of her medical rehabilitation and adapting to a new way of life, her family and friends established a fundraising initiative to help cover the cost of specialist prosthetics and home adaptations. The response has been extraordinary; at the time of the run, over £360,000 had been raised via an online campaign, providing much-needed support for Lily and her loved ones during an immensely difficult period.
The recent run through Bute Park was co-organised by Bryony Tuck and Erin Burt, students who share a connection with Lily through their studies and sporting activities at Cardiff University. Participants met at the Secret Garden Café, sporting orange and blue attire—the chosen colours to raise both visibility and awareness of sepsis. Many participants stayed on for a picnic, reinforcing the sense of community that has galvanised around Lily’s recovery.
Bryony Tuck, one of the event’s organisers, emphasised the twin purposes of the gathering. “For us, it was about coming together to show Lily she’s in our thoughts and that the student body is firmly behind her. At the same time, it’s crucial to inform people about the dangers of sepsis—something that can progress very quickly and is not always fully understood, even by those in the medical field.”
Sepsis, a potentially fatal reaction to infection that can lead to multiple organ failure, often presents with symptoms similar to common illnesses, such as the flu. Bryony added, “It’s really important to look for a rapid and severe decline in health—this is what raises the alarm. Many people simply aren’t aware that such a dramatic turn for the worse can be sepsis.”
Friends, family, and fellow students have played a vital role in Lily’s journey thus far. David, a close friend who has been supporting Lily throughout her recovery at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, addressed the crowd before the run. “We’re all here to raise awareness and show support for Lily during this unimaginably tough journey. Every bit of support—and every penny raised—helps not only Lily but others across the country who live with limb loss due to severe infections.”
Beyond financial assistance, the event also highlighted the importance of understanding sepsis. Organisers shared key warning signs with participants—slurred speech, extreme shivering or muscle pain, reduced urination, severe breathlessness, the sensation of impending doom, and mottled or discoloured skin. Such reminders underline the event’s educational mission as much as its fundraising efforts.
The run itself managed to generate over £3,200 in donations, adding to the substantial sum already gifted through Lily’s GoFundMe page. While these figures are impressive, supporters stress that the wider impact comes from increased public awareness and strengthened community spirit.
After her time in intensive care, Lily has begun rehabilitation, including her first prosthesis fitting—a testament to her resilience and determination. Those close to her describe a young woman who, despite unimaginable adversity, continues to express gratitude and positivity as she rebuilds her life.
As Cardiff’s student community reflects on this heartfelt gathering, organisers and participants hope the message will continue to ripple outward: sepsis is a quick and silent threat, but with vigilance, support, and community solidarity, its impact can be mitigated—one run, one conversation, and one show of unity at a time.