IT will be a day that Hockley mum Tracy Ralph will never forget.

The 38-year-old was rushed to hospital on Christmas Eve in 2014 with suspected pneumonia.

Within 24 hours doctors placed her in an induced coma as they battled to save her life.

She contracted septicaemia, battled blood clots, a bleed on the brain and complete organ failure with doctors forced to amputate her legs and fingers.

Her septicaemia developed into sepsis – an often fatal condition that is a serious complication of septicaemia.

As a result, she lost her fingers and legs.

Now, she is working to prevent the same thing happening to others.

Tracy said: “I realise I’m incredibly lucky to be alive, but if it had been prevented – maybe caught earlier – maybe I would have my fingers and my legs.

“Raising awareness of the signs is so important and it’s really positive to see all the work going on in the community and care homes.”

A huge fundraising effort meant her house has been adapted so she can remain independent and she has learnt to walk using prosthetics.

She recently spoke at an NHS training event to help improve training and awareness of the potentially deadly disease.

More than 100 carers working in the community attended the event in Southend to understand more about sepsis, the importance of hydration, catheter care and management of urine infections (UTIs).

The event, attended by care agencies and staff from care homes was part of an education and training programme to reduce the risk of sepsis.

Early diagnosis is crucial in infections like sepsis, with the patient’s condition quickly developing.

Tricia D’Orsi, chief nurse for NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG and NHS Southend CCG said: “Sepsis is the body’s natural response to overwhelming infection.

“Education and training for local staff is critical as it can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages and difficult to treat if not diagnosed early enough.

“We have taken some major steps in recent years to improve how the local NHS responds to sepsis – actions that are saving lives – there is still more work to do to protect the many who develop this dangerous condition each year.”

Early symptoms of sepsis usually develop quickly and can include high temperature, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat, and fast breathing. Symptoms of more severe sepsis can include feeling dizzy or faint, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, not passing water and cold, clammy skin.

Sherri Bradshaw, lead sepsis nurse at Southend Hospital said: “I would definitely advise people to make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and seek help if they are concerned about themselves or a relative, especially if an illness seems different to any they have had in the past.

“The most reliable sources for information on sepsis are the NHS and UK Sepsis Trust websites. The more aware the public are, the quicker they can act if they suspect they or someone they know may be suffering from sepsis – it could be lifesaving.”