David’s story: Standing up to sepsis and cancer

September 2024

On 15 January 2024, WAY member David’s wife passed away due to sepsis. He explains why dates like World Sepsis Day and Stand up to Cancer, which both fall on 13 September, are so important for him…


My wife sadly died due to sepsis earlier this year. The chances of her contracting sepsis were increased due to her weakened immune system as a result of treatment for oesophageal cancer.

She put up an incredible fight right up until the end, but she was taken from us far too soon.

The best wife, an amazing daughter, an incredible auntie, a wonderful sister and the most creative person I have ever met, she was an inspiration to me and many others.

After she died, I felt compelled to do something in her memory and decided to raise money for the brilliant organisation Macmillan Cancer Support. I was able to raise more than £700 by hiking 26 miles around the Yorkshire Dales in June. This now means there are more funds available for vulnerable people to get the support that they need.

I would quite happily raise money for organisations related to sepsis in the future. This is a condition that can strike at almost any time. While there is greater awareness nowadays, more still needs to be done to help spread the word about the symptoms. World Sepsis Day is a great opportunity to spread the word.

Find out more about World Sepsis Day Find out more about Stand up to Cancer