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A quick-thinking young girl has been hailed a “little hero” after her actions helped save her mother’s life.
In 2023, Blackwood mum Leisha Davies underwent surgery on a twisted bowel. Having otherwise been fit and healthy, she made a swift recovery and returned to work and caring for her daughter, Poppy.
However, during the Christmas period that year, Leisha began to feel unwell. By January 2024, she was struggling with exhaustion and feeling increasingly unwell.
On the morning of January 18 last year, Leisha was too ill to take five-year-old Poppy to school. Hoping a short rest would help, she lay down to nap, but didn’t wake up.
Brave Poppy spent the night at her mother’s side, before heading to school alone the next morning, dressed in a princess costume and wellies, to find help.
Teachers followed Poppy back to the house but were unable to wake Leisha. Paramedics rushed her to the Grange University Hospital.
Leisha suffered two cardiac arrests, her lungs had collapsed, and her organs were failing. She had developed severe sepsis.
What are the signs of sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death if not treated promptly. Survivors often face long-term effects, both physical and psychological.
Signs of sepsis to look out for include:
- Slurred speech or confusion;
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain;
- Passing no urine in a day;
- Severe breathlessness;
- Skin mottled or discoloured;
- Feeling like you’re going to die.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or someone else shows signs, seek medical help immediately.
She was transferred to Bristol for specialist treatment and given just a 5% chance of survival – but remarkably, she pulled through.
However, sepsis had made a life-changing impact. Leisha had to have all of her toes amputated, and came close to losing both feet.
She went on to spend three long months in hospital fighting for her life.
Leisha continues to suffer complications and requires regular hospital visits.
But despite everything, Leisha wants to use her experience to help others, and is speaking out on the dangers of sepsis and raising awareness of the symptoms.
“Sepsis can affect anyone, even healthy people like me,” she said. “I didn’t know just how serious it could be. Trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong and get medical help. Be insistent if you have to.”
Leisha is also urging parents to teach their children how to respond in emergencies, crediting Poppy with saving her life.
“She’s my little hero,” Leisha said. “What she did that day was extraordinary and it’s made me realise how important it is that children know what to do when something isn’t right.”
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