Jersey business to hold concert for sepsis amputee

A Jersey business has announced plans to hold its own concert in aid of an islander who recently had all her limbs amputated after falling ill.

Lily McGarry, 23, began experiencing flu-like symptoms in January which was later diagnosed as septic shock.

The Surfyard, a surf school and shop located near El Tico beach, is holding a live music event on Sunday from 12:00 BST in a bid to raise money.

So far more than £400,000 has been raised towards "prosthetics, adaptations to living environment, as well as the physiotherapy and rehabilitation necessary for Lily's recovery", organisers said.

Speaking to BBC Radio Jersey, Jo Gorrod, Ms McGarry's mum, said: "As a family we've been absolutely overwhelmed, and Lily has too.

"She's there in intensive care in Swansea, and we tell her what's happening and how this has just gained so much momentum so very quickly.

"It just shows you the level of community support Jersey has, and she's a very proud islander."

Dr Ron Daniels, founder of the UK Sepsis Trust, said every day the charity heard stories like Lily's where healthy, young people developed sepsis and were left with life-changing effects.

He said sepsis always started with an infection but it was not known why some people developed it and others did not.

He said sepsis could happen to anyone, of any age, but it could present very differently in each patient, making it hard to identify.

He said there were six key symptoms people could look for, that spelt out the word 'sepsis':

• S - slurred speech or confusion
• E - extreme pain in muscles and joints
• P - passing no urine in a day
• S - severe breathlessness
• I - people saying 'it feels like I'm going to die'
• S - skin that's mottled, discoloured or very pale

Dr Daniels said: "It's critical that public awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis continues to improve."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].