MP ‘an inspiration’ to young sepsis survivor

A woman who survived sepsis said she was inspired to tell her story after seeing South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay return to Parliament.

Mr Mackinlay lost his hands and feet to the disease after falling seriously ill in September 2023.

He received a standing ovation when he returned to the Commons on Wednesday.

Abbie Kitson, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, described him as “an inspiration”.

The University of Brighton student developed the condition in June 2023 after an operation to remove part of her intestine due to Crohn’s disease.

She was rushed back into surgery after failing to respond to antibiotics, while her mother was told to prepare for the worst and say goodbye.

The 20-year-old said: “There was a nurse who was amazing, she held my hand, stroked my hair and sang to me. I remember thinking ‘that’s the last thing I’ll hear ‘.

“They found that bacteria from inside the intestine had spread outside. They said I was very, very lucky.”

After seeing Mr Mackinlay return to the House of Commons last week, she said she found him “incredible”.

“For a young sepsis survivor to see someone who suffered from the same illness and recovered so well, I think it’s inspiring,” she said.

Mr Mackinlay announced on Friday he would stand down as an MP and focus on highlighting sepsis risks.

He told BBC South East: “If someone like Abbie said ‘I want to raise a little more awareness myself’, I consider that a job well done.

“If I can get someone’s family or friends to recognize that this person is not right, if it can help them see a medical professional much sooner than they would have, so maybe the limb losses I suffered or even a life could be saved.”

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