The Donnelly family organised a Sepsis Awareness Walk in Ballycastle on Saturday in memory of their mummy Mairead. This tied in with their aunt Noreen’s ‘300k to 60’ challenge where she had been walking 300k to her 60th birthday. Noreen, along with family and friends completed her final leg in Ballycastle.

Sepsis kills 44,000 people in the UK per year. If infection is caught early enough it can be treated.

Signs and symptoms are:

-loss of consciousness.

-severe breathlessness.

– a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature.

– a change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation.

– slurred speech.

– cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin.

-a fast heartbeat.

– fast breathing.

Don’t be afraid to ask- Could it be sepsis?

In 2018 the Donnelly family experienced first-hand what Sepsis was when Ciara developed it after the birth of her first child. Thankfully she was one of the lucky ones and got it treated on time. Some 11months later never did they dream that this killer infection would take their mummy. Despite Mairead’s nursing experience, and always making sure others were cared for, or went to see a doctor, she never detected it in herself until it was too late.

TIME is crucial with this deadly infection, don’t delay, just ask ‘Could it be Sepsis?’

The Donnelly family would like to thank everyone who took part in the walk and for their very generous donations, a great afternoon was had by all! A fitting memory to the mum. There was of course strong GAA representation as Mairead was the wife of Terence Hippy Donnelly, who was full back on the Antrim 1989 team and mother of Cormac Donnelly, a bright and shining star for the Saffrons until his career was cut short through injury. Both daughters Ciara and Bronagh played Camogie for Ballycastlle, while Cormac’s wif Rhona played for St John’s and Antrim. Mairead also came from a strong GAA family, the Darraghs from St John’s, and many of the Corrigan Park club were there on Saturday to take part in the walk