Lewes mum’s charity head shave after son’s near-death sepsis experience

Kathie Murphy decided to have her flowing locks cropped after growing her hair during lockdown and is donating the money to sepsis research.

Kathie, 53, chose Sepsis Research FEAT after her son, Walter, almost died from the illness.

Walter was blue-lighted to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton, when he was 16 after contracting sepsis.

He recovered but was told by doctors that by the time he reached hospital he was just six hours from losing his life.

Kathie said: “It is an odd thing to shave off all one’s hair to raise money for charity.

“I wanted to do this back in 1989 to raise money for my art graduation show but it never happened and I’ve never let my hair get long enough again until lockdown.

“Now feels like the right opportunity to do something to help raise funds for research into sepsis.

“It is also important that people learn the signs of what to look out for and do not hesitate to seek help and, if necessary, get a second opinion.”

So far, Kathie has raised more £1,600.

To find out more about Kathie’s head shave and to sponsor her visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kathie-haircut

Sepsis Research FEAT is the only charity in the UK dedicated to raising funds for Sepsis Research.

It is currently helping to fund research at Edinburgh University’s world-renowned Roslin Institute where its study into sepsis has also helped research into Covid-19 because of some similarities between the two illnesses.

Figures published in medical journal the Lancet show 48,000 people in the UK die from sepsis each year and many survivors face life-changing consequences such as the amputation of limbs.

Colin Graham, Sepsis Research FEAT chief operating officer, said: “We are very grateful to Kathie for her generous donation. Research is expensive and as we get no government funding, we rely on donations such as Kathie’s and legacies to fund this essential work.

“With more public support we will increase the amount of backing we are able to provide for research with the aim of putting a stop to sepsis.”