Sporty student left a quadruple amputee after ‘flu' turned into sepsis
A medical student has been left a quadruple amputee after her flu symptoms turned into sepsis.
Lily McGarry, 23, from Jersey, was taken to hospital with a supposed bout of flu in January while studying medicine at Cardiff University.
She was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia, a deadly form of blood poisoning, and fell into a two-week coma after suffering two cardiac arrests.
Ms McGarry, who was a keen swimmer, runner and surfer before her illness, had all four of her limbs amputated as a result of the illness.
Doctors were forced to amputate both of her legs above the knee and her arms at the elbow after the infection caused severe blood flow issues in her limbs.
A statement from her mother Jo Gorrod and sister Tanya said: 'While this is a devastating situation, her strength and determination remain unshaken.
'We are committed to ensuring that Lily has the best chance for recovery and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.'
Ms McGarry's 'strength and determination remain unshaken' her family says
Her family have started a fundraiser to cover the cost of prosthetics and adaptations that need to be made to Ms McGarry's living environment. It will also help fund physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The family said any funds left over will be donated to Limb Power, a charity that supports amputees and individuals with limb impairments through physical activity, sport, and the arts.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, her family said: 'Before her illness, Lily was an avid swimmer, runner, and surfer, and these sports are essential to her well-being and happiness.
'The advanced prosthetics available through private companies will give her the mobility and independence to return to these activities.
'This will not only aid her physical recovery but also allow her to reconnect with the passions that have always brought her joy.'
The statement added: 'Your support will make a world of difference in helping Lily rebuild her life, regain her independence, and pursue her dreams.'
Ms McGarry was a keen sportswoman before falling ill with sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body overreacts to an infection and starts attacking its own tissues and organs.
The UK Sepsis Trust reports that sepsis leads to around 48,000 deaths every year, more than lung cancer, bowel cancer and breast cancer combined.
Lord Mackinlay, the Conservative peer, had all four of his limbs amputated in December 2023 after contracting sepsis.
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