Sepsis: Mom says student ‘resolute’ despite quadruple amputations

The mother of an 18-year-old student from East Sussex who is facing a quadruple amputation following sepsis has told how she is “determined” to return to university.

Hamish Wilson, from Crowborough, had just started a philosophy degree at Southampton University. When he became seriously ill. in late October with pneumonia and meningitis, leading to life-threatening sepsis.

Last week, he had surgery to amputate his right hand, and is scheduled to undergo more life-changing surgery on both his legs and his other hand on Thursday.

An online fundraising page set up by his sister Izzy has raised almost £80,000 towards his recovery, which his mother Jacqueline Wilson says is “just unbelievable”.

Describing her son as a tour de force, Ms. Wilson said BBC Radio Sussex: “He’s very loyal to his friends, he cares a lot about people.”

Last weekend, Hamish’s primary school teacher organized an impromptu concert in Tunbridge Wells and his mother showed her son the footage.

“It’s just unbelievable, what’s happening. He can’t believe it,” he said.

After spending some time at Southampton General Hospital, Hamish was transferred to the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, and is now being treated at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

After the amputation is completed, he will be given artificial limbs.

Ms Wilson says her son plans to return to university next September.

“His course has been postponed. His friends have got him a room next year in the next house – on the ground floor – so they are considering his needs.

“I think it’s a really important goal for him. I think it helps him achieve something,” she said.

“He wants to pick up his life because he just started.

“He’s been looking forward to enjoying university so he’s determined to get back there. He’ll come home able to walk on his prosthetics. That’s the plan.”

• Sepsis is called the “invisible killer” because it is so difficult to detect.

• This is caused by the immune system going into overdrive. Instead of just fighting the infection, it starts attacking other parts of the body as well.

• Eventually it leads to organ failure. Even survivors can be left with long-term damage and disability.

• Bacteria and viruses that cause diarrheal infections or lung infections are the main triggers of sepsis.

• gave Symptoms Symptoms include loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulties, high temperature, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and severe muscle pain.