“Cici was gone within three hours.!”

– Danielle Nicholls

“I had 12 hours to live!”

– Sophie Austin

Recognising the Symptoms

Early detection is crucial. Symptoms of maternal sepsis can include:

• Fever or chills
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• uncontrollable shivering or rigours
• Passing little or no urine
• Cold or blotchy arms and legs

These symptoms can be mistaken for normal postpartum recovery, making awareness vital.

Danielle Nicholls: “Cici was gone within three hours.”

TV presenter Danielle Nicholls & Football Manager & Former Footballer Dean Holden tragically lost their 17-month-old daughter, Cici Holden, to suspected meningococcal septicaemia that rapidly developed into sepsis.

“She was gone so fast. We didn’t have time to understand what was happening.” – Danielle said

Cici’s condition deteriorated in just three hours. Danielle is now on a mission to raise awareness about how fast sepsis can take hold — and how vital it is for parents to trust their instincts and demand action.

Danielle’s Key Messages:

• Sepsis in children can progress rapidly — within hours.
• Trust your gut as a parent — you know when something isn’t right.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel you’re not being listened to.
• Awareness saves lives — knowing the signs makes all the difference

You can read Danielle & Dean’s Full interview ‘Against All Odds’ with BROOD Magazine here. 

Sophie Austin: “I had 12 hours to live.”

Actress and mum-of-two Sophie Austin developed sepsis following emergency gallbladder surgery. After being discharged from hospital, she began experiencing flu-like symptoms, fatigue, chills — and then her condition declined rapidly.

“I was freezing cold in the middle of summer, wearing a hoodie and joggers, and just wanted to sleep.”

Sophie’s family noticed her skin becoming mottled and rushed her to hospital. Doctors told her she likely had just 12 hours left without treatment.

Sophie’s Symptoms:

• High fever and chills
• Extreme fatigue and confusion
• No urine output
• Mottled skin
• Rapid progression over just a few hours

   

Sophie’s Advice:

• Sepsis can strike anyone — after surgery, childbirth, or even a minor cut.
• Watch for flu-like symptoms that get worse quickly.
• Be vigilant if your child or loved one is recovering and “just doesn’t seem right.”

Always consider sepsis when symptoms don’t make sense, seem unusually severe or are deteriorating rapidly  — especially in children.

You can read Sophie & Shayne’s Full interview with BROOD Magazine here. 

Dr Andrew Conway Morris: “Symptoms often overlap with those of other common illnesses, which makes sepsis incredibly difficult to diagnose.”

Expert Insight: Dr Andrew Conway Morris, Charity Medical Director

Dr Andrew Conway Morris explains why sepsis is still such a major threat:

“Although sepsis has been recognised by doctors for thousands of years, it remains incredibly poorly understood. The paradox at the heart of sepsis is that the patient’s own defences turn against the body even as they try to clear the infection that started the process.”

Despite its scale, sepsis research is still underfunded:

“Sepsis kills over 250,000 people in the UK each year — more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined — yet it receives far less research funding.”

He stresses that public awareness is vital:

“Symptoms often overlap with those of other common illnesses, which makes sepsis incredibly difficult to diagnose.”

“That’s why it’s so crucial for individuals to be aware of the signs and to seek medical help immediately if they feel unwell — even if they’ve already sought care and been sent home.”

Sepsis: Know the Signs

Sepsis symptoms can appear differently depending on age and situation — but early recognition is critical.

⚠️ Common Signs of Sepsis:

• Very high or very low temperature
• Uncontrollable shivering or cold extremities
• Slurred speech or confusion
• No urine passed in 24 hours
• Breathlessness
• Mottled, pale, or discoloured skin
• Feeling very unwell or like “you’re going to die”

Act Fast. Save a Life.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of sepsis, go to A&E immediately or call 999. Sepsis is treatable — but only if caught early.

Sepsis Research FEAT: Leading the Fight Against Sepsis

Sepsis Research FEAT is the UK’s only charity dedicated to funding research and raising awareness about sepsis, with a particular focus on maternal sepsis. Their initiatives include:

• Funding groundbreaking research into sepsis detection and treatment
• Raising public awareness about sepsis symptoms and risks
• Providing resources and support for those affected

One of their key campaigns, “Mums Matter Too,” aims to ensure more families are aware of maternal sepsis and its risks. You can get more information about the work they do here.

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