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Sepsis Survivor's Second Chance: Life After Near-Death Ordeal
21 Oct
Summary
- Alex survived a life-threatening sepsis infection that caused cardiac arrest.
- She underwent amputation of her right leg and parts of her hands and left foot.
- Alex has since retrained as a teaching assistant and completed a 10k race.
Three years ago, Alex Plank faced a life-threatening battle with sepsis following what she initially thought was a severe cold. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to cardiac arrest in A&E and subsequent transfer to critical care. Doctors did not expect her to survive, and her husband was advised to prepare for the worst.
Alex survived but endured significant life-altering consequences. She lost her right leg below the knee, had toes amputated from her left foot, and some fingers on both hands were also removed. Her heart, lungs, and kidneys were also affected by the severe infection.
Despite the profound challenges, Alex has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She has undergone extensive physiotherapy and strength training. In September 2025, she successfully participated in the Sheffield 10k race. The former university administrator has also retrained and is now working as a teaching assistant.
Alex's experience underscores the severe dangers of sepsis, a condition arising from an extreme bodily reaction to infection. In the UK, there are approximately 245,000 sepsis cases annually, resulting in about 48,000 deaths. Early recognition and treatment are crucial, as sepsis can lead to rapid deterioration and death if not addressed promptly.
Experts emphasize the importance of vigilance for subtle signs of sepsis in adults, such as confusion, rapid breathing, profound weakness, or a general change in demeanor. The NHS has outlined a plan to reduce sepsis-related deaths and complications by at least 25% by 2035 through improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
