Councillor Jonathan Simpson

In this personal piece, King’s Cross councillor and two-time mayor Jonathan Simpson MBE recounts his terrifying battle with sepsis and explains the warning signs we should all be looking out for

I never imagined that a fever and some chills would lead to me nearly losing my life. Just a few months ago I was rushed into hospital and spent two months fighting for survival after developing sepsis – a condition I’d barely heard of, but one that changed my life completely.

I underwent three rounds of surgery, lost the use of my right foot within 48 hours of falling ill, and came terrifyingly close to never coming home. It all started with what felt like flu symptoms – a seasonal cough, fever, chills and a general sense of being unwell. I thought I just needed rest. But within two days, I couldn’t move or stand on my right foot at all.

The infection had taken hold and was spreading fast. By the time I got to hospital I was in serious danger. I was diagnosed with sepsis – the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. It’s a medical emergency that causes the immune system to attack its own organs and tissues. In my case, the infection had spread to my foot, hip and shoulder.

I needed three urgent surgeries to remove infected tissue and prevent further damage. I was transferred to University College Hospital after the first month and their medical team were outstanding.

I’ll always be grateful to them for acting quickly and doing everything they could to save my life. The NHS is truly outstanding.

There were some incredibly tough days. I was in pain, exhausted, confused and completely uncertain about what was going to happen.

Sepsis can overwhelm the body in a matter of hours, and if I had waited any longer I might not be here today.

One of the things that shocked me most is how common sepsis is, and how little we talk about it.

According to the UK Sepsis Trust, around 245,000 people in the UK are affected by it each year, and at least 48,000 of them die. That’s more than the number of people who die from breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.

Despite these numbers, many people still don’t know how to spot the signs. I didn’t. There’s a simple acronym that everyone should know:

SEPSIS.
S: Slurred speech or confusion.
E: Extreme shivering or muscle pain
P: Passing no urine (in a day)
S: Severe breathlessness
I: It feels like you’re going to die
S: Skin mottled or discoloured.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, especially after an infection, surgery or even a small injury, get help immediately. Call 999 or go straight to A&E. Acting fast is vital – every hour counts.

Today, I’m still recovering. I’m now mobile again and using crutches. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from my friends and so many residents in Camden.

Their kindness made a huge difference during the hardest days. “Even while in hospital, I was able to continue with my duties as a councillor, attending meetings virtually from my hospital bed.

In March I returned to in-person meetings – a moment that meant more to me than I can say. This experience has changed my perspective on so many things.

I came close to losing my life, and I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did. If telling my story helps just one person recognise the signs of sepsis and act quickly, then it’s worth it.

Sepsis is fast, frightening and all too often fatal. But with awareness, it doesn’t have to be.

Please, take a few minutes to learn the signs – it might just save a life. For more information, visit the UK Sepsis Trust at www.sepsistrust.org.