Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has joined forces with the Fleming Initiative, supported by GSK, to launch the Keep antibiotics in play campaign, raising awareness of antibiotic resistance. The swimmer nearly died from sepsis in 2022 after a miscarriage and credits antibiotics with saving her life.
Adlington's Sepsis Experience
Adlington recalled the terrifying moments four years ago when she could not walk, lift her head, or open her eyes due to sepsis. She had been discharged after surgery for a miscarriage but deteriorated rapidly and was rushed back to hospital by ambulance. Doctors diagnosed sepsis and immediately started her on antibiotics, leading to recovery within 24 hours.
“I’m so grateful for that because I can’t describe how awful I felt. It was terrifying. I couldn’t open my eyes, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t lift my head,” Adlington said. She added that her children were terrified seeing her taken away in an ambulance.
Campaign Goals
The Keep antibiotics in play campaign aims to educate the public on preserving antibiotic effectiveness. Antibiotic resistance already causes over one million deaths annually, and without action, nearly 40 million lives could be lost between 2025 and 2050. The campaign urges people to use antibiotics only when prescribed, take them exactly as directed, and never share or save them.
Adlington stated: “Antibiotics saved my life. Getting that education and understanding out there is absolutely vital. If we continue to overuse them, there’s a real risk they won’t be effective in the future.”
Personal Impact
After her sepsis ordeal, Adlington welcomed her third child, Thea, earlier this year. She described the journey as traumatic but expressed gratitude for her healthy baby. The campaign also features former rugby player Matt Dawson and Paralympic swimmer Alice Tai, all urging the public to protect antibiotics.
