Tonia Antoniazzi MP Calls for Greater Sepsis Awareness

Tonia Antoniazzi MP has joined calls for greater awareness of sepsis following her attendance at a parliamentary event ahead of World Sepsis Day, which took place on Saturday 13th September.
 
The event, held in Parliament and sponsored by Mike Wood MP and Andrew Pakes MP of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sepsis, was supported by The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST). Tonia met with UKST representatives and heard directly from survivors and campaigners, including Lord Mackinlay, who became a quadruple amputee after surviving sepsis in 2023.
 
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that claims 11 million lives globally each year, including 48,000 in the UK. It occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Common causes include chest infections and urinary tract infections, but even minor injuries like bites or stings can trigger sepsis.
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said:
 
“I was pleased to attend the UK Sepsis Trust’s event in Parliament and show my support for their vital work.
 
Sepsis is more common than heart attacks and claims more lives than strokes. It must be taken as seriously as cancer.
 
I’m committed to raising awareness of the early signs of sepsis among my constituents in Gower. If you’re worried about someone, even if you’re unsure, it’s always best to ‘Just Ask: could it be sepsis?’ and seek medical advice.”
 
Sepsis can be difficult to diagnose due to its varied symptoms and lack of a specific test. Prompt treatment is critical, which is why public awareness is essential.
 
To mark Sepsis Awareness Month, UKST is working with sports clubs and communities across the UK to spread lifesaving information. They’ve also launched an interactive game, Sepsis Savvy Shootout, which helps users learn key facts quickly. Participants can enter a prize draw to meet Harry Redknapp, UKST ambassador, whose wife survived sepsis in 2018.
 
Dr Ron Daniels BEM, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of UKST, said:
 
“Sepsis affects 245,000 people in the UK every year. With over 48,000 lives lost annually, the need for action is clear.
 
We’re grateful to MPs like Tonia Antoniazzi for supporting our campaign and helping raise awareness in their communities.”
 
Harry Redknapp added:
 
“My wife Sandra developed sepsis in 2018. It was terrifying—but we were lucky. 48,000 families a year aren’t.
 
That’s why I’m proud to support UKST. Whoever you cheer for, Team #SepsisSavvy needs your support.”