Strictly's Amy Dowden says 'I didn't know how ill I was' in sepsis battle

Wales Online

6 hours ago

Strictly's Amy Dowden says 'I didn't know how ill I was' in sepsis battle
The Strictly pro dancer says she got the chance to thank the paramedics who saved her life
Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden says she's now 'happier than ever'
(Image: Amy Dowden / Instagram)
Strictly professional dancer Amy Dowden has thanked the "true real life heroes" who came to her aid after she contracted sepsis. On Instagram, the Caerphilly star thanked paramedics and spoke of the experience.
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On her Instagram story, the Strictly Come Dancing dancer shared photos of her with paramedics on Wednesday, August 20. The photos were joined with a caption that read: "Two years ago today I got to thank the paramedics that saved my life! Noticed my sepsis signs and did all the could and more!
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"Was so thankful and grateful to be able to thank you in person! I know my parents were so emotional too when they saw you again". For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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She continued: "True real life heroes!!! Unfortunately with chemotherapy the slightest cold / bug / infections can quickly turn to sepsis as you don't have the white blood cells to fight it". In another post on her Instagram story, Amy wrote: "Fast forward two years and I'm feeling healthier, stronger and happier than ever!
"Still go by these mottos. Don't get bitter get better. This too shall pass. And my old school days one, fail to prepare, prepare to fail".
The star has spoken openly about her health in recent years. The 35-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and revealed that she contracted sepsis shortly after her first round of chemotherapy.
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Amy says her memories were hazy of that time
(Image: Amy Dowden / Instagram)
In an Instagram post later that year, she spoke about the experience. She said: "I recently suffered a setback in my cancer treatment and spent several days in hospital and needing care by an ICU team."
She also gave the full story in an interview with Hello! Magazine. "I started having a temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius," Amy shared during the interview.
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"At the time I didn't realise that having a temperature of 37.5 or above could be fatal for a chemo patient. I just thought it was my reaction to chemo but, as it turned out, I had already got an infection."
Amy continued: 'I felt freezing cold but I was all clammy and shaking. My mum and dad rang my red card [which provides the chemotherapy team's contact details and current treatment information] and they said to hang up and ring the ambulance.
"I didn't want to go into hospital. at the time I didn't realise how ill I was. I knew it was a Saturday night, so A&E would probably be crowded, and it was dangerous being around people as it's more likely you'll pick up an infection.
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The Strictly star issued a 'fast forward' update after the tribute
(Image: Amy Dowden / Instagram)
"On chemo you don't have your white blood cells to fight infection. We now know I had the infection just before I started chemo but we were never able to pinpoint what actually caused it."
Amy then told the publication that her memory of her time in hospital was hazy, adding: "The doctors and nurses were telling me I had sepsis and that it was life-threatening but I wasn't taking it in. I didn't become properly aware until later. I told my dad: 'I've got sepsis' and he said: 'I know'."
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Amy underwent an intensive chemotherapy and mastectomy in 2023. The star also shared her most vulnerable moments in that year with her BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which followed Amy as she received treatment and raised awareness for breast cancer.
In February 2024, she received the uplifting news of 'no evidence of the disease', but the ballroom expert has been unwavering in her commitment to raising awareness of the disease ever since, providing regular heartfelt updates to her followers on social media.
This year, the star will be making a triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing. Last year, the professional dancer was coupled up with JB Gill after returning to the show following her cancer treatment.
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However, Amy had to pull out from the competition after sustaining an injury and was replaced by fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley.
Luckily, Amy recovered and started 2025 with a dance tour around the UK titled Reborn alongside professional dancer and close friend, Carlos Gu, who will also be joining the Strictly series this year.
And furthermore, her documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, has been nominated for a National Television Award in the authored documentary category shortlist. You can read more about her reaction to the nomination here.
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