- Sport-loving Lily McGarry thought she had flu – but contracted deadly disease
- Medics were forced to amputate her forearms and lower legs to save her life
- Her family is now fundraising for a series of advanced prosthetics
A sporty medical student has been left a quadruple amputee after what she thought was a simple bout of the flu turned out to be a life-threatening sepsis infection.
Lily McGarry, 23, from Jersey, was studying medicine at Cardiff University when she was rushed to A&E in January with flu-like symptoms.
Within hours, Lily, who has been described by her family as ‘kind, thoughtful and positive’, suffered two cardiac arrests and was placed in a medically-induced coma.
Doctors at University Hospital Wales diagnosed the keen athlete with deadly meningococcal septicaemia – a rare and aggressive bacterial infection that can cause rapid organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
When Lily woke up from the coma two weeks later, she was told the infection had caused irreversible damage to all four of her limbs.
Surgeons were forced to amputate both of the Lily’s legs above the knee and her arms at the elbow in order to save her life.
Prior to her illness, Lily, who also has a first-class degree in Medical Pharmacology, was an avid swimmer, runner and surfer.
Sporty medical student Lily McGarry (pictured) has been left a quadruple amputee after contracting a life-threatening sepsis infection
The 23-year-old is a keen fitness enthusiast who enjoys taking part in triathlons
Her family say the quadruple amputation was ‘devastating’ but that she has remained ‘unshaken’ in her determination to live life to the full
Lily’s family said sport is ‘essential’ to her happiness and described her recent quadruple amputation as ‘devastating’.
However, they added that her strength and determination after the life-changing operation has remained ‘unshaken’.
Her mother Jo Gorrod and sister Tanya today set up a GoFundMe to support Lily’s recovery and help her take part in the activities she loves once again.
The online fundraiser has already raised more than £14,000 in less than 24 hours, with nearly 300 people pledging their support.
‘We are committed to ensuring that Lily has the best chance for recovery and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.’ Ms Gorrod wrote on the GoFundMe page.
‘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.
Lily’s family and friends are fundraising to help her get hold of advanced prosthetics so she can return to fitness
The medical student’s fundraiser has hit £21,000 of a £100,000 target as of April 16
‘This will not only aid her physical recovery but also allow her to reconnect with the passions that have always brought her joy.
‘Funds raised here will go directly towards prosthetics, adaptations to living environment, as well as the physiotherapy and rehabilitation necessary for Lily’s recovery.
‘Any funds not directly used for Lily’s care will be donated to Limb Power, a charity that supports amputees and individuals with limb impairments through physical activity, sport, and the arts to enhance their quality of life and aid in lifelong rehabilitation.’
She added: ‘Your support will make a world of difference in helping Lily rebuild her life, regain her independence, and pursue her dreams.’
To donate to Lily’s GoFundMe page, click here.
SIX MAJOR SIGNS OF SEPSIS
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused when the body releases chemicals to fight an infection.
These chemicals damage the body’s own tissues and organs and can lead to shock, organ failure and death.
Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognized early and treated immediately.
Sepsis infects an estimated 55,000 Australians each year, killing between 5,000 and 9,000 making it more than four times deadlier than the road toll.
The symptoms can look like gastro or flu and can become deadly, rapidly.
The six major signs of something potentially deadly can be identified by the acronym ‘SEPSIS’:
- Slurred speech or confusion, lethargy, disorientation
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever or low temperature
- Pressing a rash doesn’t make it fade
- Severe breathlessness, rapid breathing
- Inability to pass urine for several hours
- Skin that’s mottled or discoloured
Children may also show convulsions or fits, and a rash that doesn’t fade when you press it – and more than 40 per cent of cases occur in children under five.
Anyone who develops these symptoms should seek medical help urgently — and ask doctors: ‘Could this be sepsis?’
Sepsis is a leading cause of avoidable death killing about 10,000 Australians each year
The early symptoms of sepsis can be easily confused with more mild conditions, making it difficult to diagnose.
A high temperature (fever), chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and rapid breathing are also indicators.
A patient can rapidly deteriorate if sepsis is missed early on, so quick diagnosis and treatment is vital – yet this rarely happens.
In the early stages, sepsis can be mistaken for a chest infection, flu or upset stomach.
It is most common and dangerous in older adults, pregnant women, children younger than one, people with chronic conditions or those who have weakened immune systems.
