THE family of a Herefordshire man who tragically died from sepsis last year have made an emotional plea.

Karl Parker, who was from Hereford but later lived in Ross-on-Wye, died at Hereford County Hospital in September 2023 after a battle with sepsis, which is a serious and life-threatening reaction to infection. He was 61 years old.

Now, his family are asking the public to be more aware of the symptoms of sepsis, saying awareness could help save lives.

One of Mr Parker's daughters, Lisa, said: "My dad, Karl Parker, was a 61-year-old man from Hereford, but lived in Ross-on-Wye for many years. Most of his family still live in Hereford.

"My dad was the kindest man you could meet and he inspired me so much with his strength and love. He was just simply the best and he is sadly missed by us all.

"My dad was a massive Elvis fan and went to an Elvis festival every year in Wales. He was a Leeds United supporter and also used to play football years ago."

Hereford Times: Karl Parker with his daughter LisaKarl Parker with his daughter Lisa (Image: Lisa Parker)

Sepsis, otherwise known as septicaemia or blood poisoning, happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body's own tissues and organs.

It can be difficult to spot because symptoms are similar to other conditions like flu or chest infections. Generally, the symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, discoloured skin, or a rash.

Miss Parker said that until her father contracted a leg infection called cellulitis in 2023, he was otherwise healthy.

"My dad was treated for a leg infection cellulitis and was on antibiotics, but we were told his infection had got better and so he was taken off the antibiotics," she said.

"Three weeks later, Dad wasn't himself and had a very high fever and a very fast heart rate. The paramedics said he was borderline sepsis.

"He arrived at Hereford County Hospital and received treatment. He seemed to be okay. Early hours the next morning, he had problems with his breathing and a doctor made the decision to take him down to the intensive care unit and sedate him. He never fully regained consciousness and sadly he passed away as a result of septic shock and multiple organ failure."

The family have organised a charity football match to raise money for the charity Sepsis Research Feat.

This will take place on March 30 at Ross-on-Wye Sports Centre.

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Miss Parker said: "Sepsis Feat have been amazing trying to raise awareness for this awful illness.

"People need to know what to do as it's a life-threatening condition.

"I am doing this football charity match to help a fantastic charity and for my amazing dad."