'We won't judge you' sepsis survivor urges others to attend Grimsby support group
A Waltham woman wants anyone suffering from the aftermath of sepsis to seek help at a face-to-face support group next Monday and promised: "We don't judge."
Sarah Smith was left fighting for her life at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby after cellulitis triggered sepsis. Her husband was forced to tell her two children "mum might not be coming home" after doctors gave her just a 10 per cent chance of survival when she fell seriously ill in 2019.
Despite her ongoing struggles with sepsis, Sarah started the Sepsis Support Group in Grimsby and the next meeting is on Monday, September 30. It is facilitated by The UK Sepsis Trust and it provides a non-judgemental place for sepsis survivors and their loved ones to share anything they might be going through.
READ MORE:Scartho Infants' School & Nursery joins academy trust
READ MORE:Grimsby museum technician's surprise as 32-year-old wallet discovered behind display
Sarah, a volunteer with The UK Sepsis Trust, told Grimsby Live: "It is mainly for people to talk about their experience of sepsis and how it has affected them so they have a safe place to talk to people who have an understanding of it and know how they feel. Families can come as well because it doesn't just affect the person who's had sepsis, it affects everyone around them."
During Covid, the meetings had to stop but Sarah said they are up and running again and will occur about four times a year at St Hugh's Hospital, with a sepsis nurse in attendance who can talk to guests.
Sarah said: "When we first had our meetings, we got a gentleman there with his wife who'd had sepsis and had been critically ill. His wife messaged me afterwards and said it has changed his outlook just by sitting and talking to people who totally understand what he is going through and how he feels."
When asked what she'd say to people who were anxious about coming to a meeting, Sarah added: "Don't be nervous, we're friendly and anything that is said in the meetings is confidential. We're not there to judge anybody or pass any judgement at all on how people feel.
"Your feelings are valid. Just come and see a friendly face. There will be tea and coffee and we will be there ready to support you."
Anyone with an infection can get sepsis, according to the NHS. Victims of the disease locally include a brave Grimsby boy who lost all four limbs and a greatly missed nurse who had a "heart of gold".
The Sepsis Support Group will take place on Monday September 30, at 6pm at St Hugh's Hospital, Peaks Lane, Grimsby DN32 9RP