In episode 16 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer speaks with two inspiring guests for Men’s Mental Health Month. Rob Forkan shares his extraordinary journey of resilience after surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and later battling sepsis. He offers powerful insights into finding purpose and strength through unimaginable challenges.

Devoted father Louis Rickman recounts his wife Louise’s recent battle with sepsis following the birth of their first child, Rex, as well as the devastating loss of his brother to sepsis in 1999. Together, Rob and Louis explore the profound physical and emotional toll of sepsis and the critical importance of community and mental health support in recovery.

This episode covers:

• Rob’s incredible story of mental resilience after surviving the Boxing Day tsunami and sepsis
• The lasting impact of Louise’s sepsis experience on Louis’ family unit
• The mental health challenges faced by men and carers in the aftermath of trauma
• The importance of timely recognition of sepsis symptoms, and men accessing healthcare
• Practical advice for finding resilience, building support networks, and promoting recovery

Tune in to this special episode, released in honour of Men’s Mental Health Month during November 2024, to hear two extraordinary men reflect on their experiences with honesty and hope.

Of course, if you’re struggling with your mental health at any time, you can also access free nurse-led sepsis support services via our website: https://sepsistrust.org/get-support

You can also learn more about sepsis and UKST’s mission at sepsistrust.org

Find out about Rob’s work with Gandys at gandys.com and Preveo at thinkpreveo.com

In episode 15 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer is joined by Caroline Hughes, Support Services Manager at the Meningitis Research Foundation, to discuss the links between sepsis and meningitis.

Released following World Meningitis Day on 5th October, this episode sheds light on the interconnectedness of these life-threatening conditions – including the impact on survivors and their families – along with the urgent need for awareness, and how timely intervention can save lives.

Caroline shares the vital work her organisation does to support individuals affected by meningitis and the global efforts to defeat it, including their involvement in the World Health Organisation’s initiative to defeat bacterial meningitis by 2030.

The episode covers:

• Caroline’s insights into the global burden of meningitis
• The relationship between sepsis and meningitis
• The importance of public messaging to raise awareness of the conditions
• The long term impact of these conditions on patients and their loved ones
• World Meningitis Day 2024 and how its initiatives are driving awareness globally
• Socioeconomic disparities in sepsis and meningitis outcomes, and the need for improved access to resources
• How charities like ours are collaborating to promote clear and accessible messaging

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on the importance of early recognition and the life-saving impact of collaboration in the fight against meningitis and sepsis.

You can learn more about sepsis and the UK Sepsis Trust’s mission at sepsistrust.org, and discover resources on meningitis at meningitis.org.

Other resources mentioned in the episode:

Read Lauren’s story: https://sepsistrust.org/sepsisvoices/lauren/

Listen to Tilly and Lucy’s story: https://sepsisvoices.podbean.com/e/beyond-the-numbers-illuminating-the-reality-of-paediatric-sepsis/

In episode 14 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer Ron Daniels is joined by former Member of Parliament Craig Mackinlay, for an episode released during Sepsis Awareness Month.

Craig’s story is one of immense resilience. After surviving sepsis, he underwent quadruple amputation and has since turned his experience into advocacy for better sepsis care. Recently appointed to the House of Lords, Craig is now using his platform to push for crucial changes in healthcare that could save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis survivors.

The episode covers:

• Craig’s personal experience with sepsis and the challenges of adapting to life with limb loss
• Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) and how it affects survivors, including physical, cognitive, and psychological aftereffects
• Craig’s decision to step down from his role as MP and his journey back to work after surviving sepsis
• How Craig’s new position in the House of Lords allows him to advocate for sepsis awareness and improved care – including better access to prostheses
• Socioeconomic disparities in sepsis outcomes and what needs to be done to address them
• UKST’s three key asks of the government during Sepsis Awareness Month: measuring sepsis care performance, integrating rapid diagnostics, and raising public awareness of sepsis symptoms and support services

Tune in for an inspiring conversation and insights that shed light on the realities of life after sepsis and the urgent need for change.

You can learn more about sepsis and UK Sepsis Trust’s ‘Step Up’ campaign by visiting sepsistrust.org