A young islander who lost all four limbs after contracting meningitis has urged young people to check their vaccination records before starting university.
Lily McGarry, a former Jersey College for Girls student, became critically ill in January after developing meningococcal septicaemia.
What began as flu-like symptoms quickly escalated into septic shock, and the 24-year-old later had all her limbs amputated due to severe blood flow complications.
The Cardiff University medical student has since learned she was not vaccinated against the bacteria that caused her illness.
The meningitis and septicaemia vaccine was only introduced in 2015, meaning many students beginning higher education this month may also be unprotected.
In a message shared on social media by UK charity Sepsis Research, Ms McGarry said: “I suffered from meningitis this January and subsequently got sepsis and had to have all four limbs amputated.
‘I was a student at Cardiff University before this happened, and having checked my vaccination history since being ill, I realised that I was unvaccinated against meningitis B.
“And vaccination against this type of bacteria didn’t start until 2015, so it’s likely that if you’re starting this September, you too could be unvaccinated.
“I call all students to stay up to date with Sepsis Research feeds, social media pages, and also to try and check your vaccination history with your GP before Freshers’ Week this September.”
She has also urged young people to learn the signs of sepsis, which can be difficult to identify as its early symptoms resemble other common illnesses but can rapidly become life-threatening.
Since Ms McGarry’s illness, Islanders have organised a series of fundraising events – including sporting challenges, concerts and bake sales – to help support her recovery.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection, which can lead to multiple organ failure and remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Symptoms in adults can include blotchy or cold arms and legs, very high or low temperature, uncontrollable shivering, confusion, reduced urination, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness and severe pain.
Anyone wishing to support Lily can donate online through her fundraising page. Further information about sepsis and its symptoms can be found at www.sepsistrust.org.
Her family have asked the public not to contact her directly.