A mother of three from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne spent three weeks in a coma after a tiny spot on her arm developed into deadly sepsis. Beverley Gardner, 51, first noticed the blemish on her right elbow in September, but thought little of it. Within days, the spot turned red, swollen, and began to burn, leading to a life-threatening infection.
Rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, doctors diagnosed sepsis and a group A strep infection. They cut away infected tissue and placed her in an induced coma. While unconscious, she suffered a stroke and pneumonia, but survived. Her daughters were told three times she might not make it.
After nine weeks in hospital, including skin grafts from her leg, Beverley was allowed home. She has lost hearing in her left ear and use of her right hand, but is undergoing physiotherapy. She now shares her story to raise awareness of sepsis symptoms, which can include a spot that becomes hot to touch, swelling, and rapid deterioration.
