A Norfolk family is still grieving the sudden loss of their daughter who died from sepsis after returning home from a holiday.
Laura Hughes, who lived in Whissonsett, a village near Fakenham, fell seriously ill the night she came back from Lincolnshire in May last year.
Despite her housemate’s quick response and the efforts of paramedics, the 37-year-old died within 12 hours.
Laura’s parents, David and Joan Hughes, were left in shock when they received a call at 4.50am, alerting them to their daughter’s condition.
Laura Hughes lived in Whissonsett, near Fakenham. (Image: Supplied by family)
They rushed to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where they saw her being taken to the intensive care unit.
Despite the medical team's best efforts, Laura's condition rapidly deteriorated and she was placed on life support.
She died after 4pm - only 12 hours after she had collapsed in her bathroom.
Her cause of death was recorded as septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a rare but serious condition that disrupts the body’s blood clotting.
David Hughes described the experience as a "total and utter shock".
Her mother, Joan, said: "It's indiscriminate, it's absolutely brutal, no matter about your age, it can happen so quickly.
"You've got to be aware of the symptoms, and be on the lookout for them," she added.
In the UK, around 50,000 people die from sepsis annually, equating to over five deaths every hour.
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Laura Hughes, who died of sepsis in 2023, was a bubbly person who brightened every room. (Image: Supplied by family)
“Laura was a people person," Joan said. "She loved making people laugh and lighting up a room. We really miss her."
Laura had attended Aylsham High School and had a diverse career in entertainment and hospitality, including work at Holkham Hall and on cruise ships.
More recently, she had been studying to become a counsellor at the Matrix College of Counselling and Psychotherapy in Wymondham. She was also working as a life connector.
After her death, her parents wanted to find a way to prevent others going through the same pain and suffering – and the funeral directors made them aware of the charity Sepsis Research FEAT.
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Laura Hughes' parents and sister are planning to walk for two days across north Norfolk to raise awareness about sepsis. (Image: Supplied by family)
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In memory of their daughter, David and Joan are planning a 50-mile walk from Cromer Pier to Hunstanton Pier to raise awareness of sepsis and its dangers.
It will take two full days, starting on World Sepsis Day, September 13.
“We’d like to do something to bring sepsis to the forefront of people’s minds,” David said.
He also invited other people who have lost loved ones to sepsis to join them on the walk.
The family hopes that by sharing Laura’s story, they can help prevent others from suffering the same fate.
They have set up a fundraising page on JustGiving with donations going to Sepsis Research FEAT.
A charity's tragic origins
Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Laura’s tragic story is testament to one of this charity’s key messages: that sepsis can strike anyone at any time and is utterly indiscriminate in the way that it affects individuals of any age.
“Sepsis is a deadly illness that can kill in a matter of hours so it’s vital that people act quickly when they spot the signs.
“The most important thing is to act fast and seek urgent medical attention as this can improve chances of survival.”
Sepsis Research FEAT is the UK’s only sepsis research and awareness charity. It traces its origins to the tragic events of August 2012, when Dr Fiona Elizabeth Agnew, a Falkirk-based GP, and her unborn daughter, Isla, lost their lives to sepsis.
Founded in 2013 as FEAT, the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust, by Craig Stobo, Fiona's husband, the organisation emerged from Craig's profound grief and his determination to honour Fiona's memory by preventing similar tragedies.
Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection escalates rapidly, leading to severe damage to its own tissues and organs.
This potentially life-threatening condition affects people of all ages and can progress swiftly, claiming millions of lives globally each year.
Symptoms
Five of the key sepsis symptoms to look out for are:
High or low temperature
Uncontrolled shivering
Confusion
Passing little urine
Blotchy or cold arms and legs
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