Spotlight- Brian Davies- The UK Sepsis Trust

This week, I talk to Brian Davies who is Corporate Fundraising Manager for the UK Sepsis Trust and also Director of Local Partnerships at Bishop Vesey Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield. Brian has recently left teaching to pursue a career working for a charity that is close to his heart. 

In Spotlight on Teacher Hug Radio, I talk to Brian and his daughter Aoife ahead of World Sepsis Day on Monday 13th September.  You can listen to this episode at 5 pm on Saturday or 1 pm on Sunday.  

Aoife was just 9-weeks-old when she started to display what were thought to be flu-like symptoms. A few days later she was rushed into hospital with sepsis and put into an induced coma.  Thankfully, Aoife survived and is a happy, healthy 7-year-old, and last year, she took on a series of amazing cycling challenges for Cycle4Sepsis, raising over £1000!

The UK Sepsis Trust needs help to enable them to continue to support people like Aoife and her family. Sepsis kills over 48,000 people in the UK every year, which is more than breast, bowel and prostate cancers combined, and is more common than heart attacks. The UK Sepsis Trust’s specialist sepsis support nurses provide free vital support and information to those affected, offering a confidential listening service via email or telephone, and facilitate support groups several times a month, specifically for those who have sadly been bereaved or are struggling in their recovery.

By taking part in the Cycle4Sepsis or a winter challenge, you’ll be helping them reach out to and support more people than ever! It’s so easy to get involved, and no matter your cycling ability or experience, it’s a great way to have fun, get together with friends and family, and get outside!

It is important to know the signs of Sepsis so that if you or a loved one is ill you can ask the question – ‘Could it be Sepsis?’   

Monday the 13th of September marks World Sepsis Day – an opportunity for everyone to raise awareness of sepsis, a condition associated with 1 in 5 deaths worldwide, reflect and show respect to those who have been affected, and remember those who lost their lives.  The UK Sepsis Trust has a lot of exciting initiatives and campaigns to get involved in.  

Cycle4Sepsis: their flagship fundraiser is back for its 8th year! Cyclists of all ages and abilities can take to the pedals to have fun, raise awareness of sepsis, and vital funds for the Trust! People taking part in the challenge can choose however they want to #Cycle4Sepsis – as part of a team with colleagues, family, or friends, as part of your commute, on a static bike, or as a solo challenge! For more information and to sign up in time for World Sepsis Day, click here: https://cycle4.sepsistrust.org/

Sepsis Savvy: protect your colleagues, schools, universities, sports clubs, and community groups by signing up to become a #SepsisSavvy organisation! It’s completely free and so easy.  To become Sepsis Savvy everyone watches a short video about sepsis and plays an online educational game! There are also lesson plans and resources to teach pupils in every key stage about the signs of sepsis.  For more information, please click here: https://sepsistrust.org/…/our-current…/sepsis-savvy/ 

Fundraising: dream up your own World Sepsis Day fundraiser and help raise vital funds and awareness! Bake sales, sponsored runs, walks and swims, baked bean baths, head shaves, and skydives are always classics, but they love to hear about your creative ideas! For all you need to know about setting up a fundraiser, please click here: https://sepsistrust.org/fundraising/

If you want more time to plan your challenge you can carry out a winter challenge.  Any challenge which has the number six in it emphasises the six signs of Sepsis.  Brian carried out their winter challenge last year and completed his 600 km cycle with a 42.5miles or 68.48km to The University Hospital of North Staffordshire.  This is where his daughter Aoife was taken at 9-weeks old on Monday 3rd March 2014, suffering from sepsis. A really fitting way to finish the challenge, and quite a few emotions for all of his family at the end!

Fundraising is at the heart of their fight against sepsis. It raises awareness and sparks the question: “What is sepsis? I’ve never heard of it!” In this way, fundraising can help prevent thousands of deaths. It also funds their vital support work, helping people adjust to life after sepsis.  Every penny you give or raise is crucial.

This Sepsis Awareness Month you can help protect your loved ones by watching & sharing their short Sepsis Savvy video https://bit.ly/GetSepsisSavvy . They are aiming for 1 Million views this month to raise awareness of this potentially deadly condition, associated with 1 in 5 deaths globally!

Thank you for reading this blog.  I hope it helps you to know the signs of sepsis and if you, a loved one, or a pupil is ill and has any of the symptoms please remember to ask the important question – ‘Could it be sepsis?’  

The author

Nicola Arkinstall

Nikki is a Deputy Headteacher in a primary school in Birmingham with over 20 years’ experience. Her primary school is a National Lead School and English Hub. She is currently studying a Senior Leadership Masters with the National College of Education, which she has found incredibly inspiring. She is Lead DSL and also Art, Music and DT lead. She is an experienced NQT mentor and has carried out the NQT courses for her Trust and partner schools and will be facilitating the Early Careers Framework in September. She is the host of ‘Spotlight’ a show on Teacher Hug Radio which shines a light on fantastic schools, teachers, teaching assistants and business leaders to celebrate what an amazing job they are doing in education. When Nikki is not working she loves to spend time with her husband, children, friends and family. She is also a governor at her daughter’s primary school. She loves travelling (when allowed), reading, listening to podcasts, watching Netflix series and swimming.

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