A WOMAN who twice fought off a life-threatening illness has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the disease.

Julie Carmen, from Kelbrook, almost died when she contracted sepsis, also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning, in 2008.

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Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.

It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and death, especially if it is not recognised early and treated promptly.

It is the leading cause of death from infection around the world, and despite advances in modern medicine like vaccines and antibiotics acute care experts believe not enough is being done to save lives.

The former NHS pharmaceutical technician, who volunteers for The UK Sepsis Trust is now spearheading an awareness campaign which will be running in 20 pharmacies across Lancashire.

Julie developed severe infections twice after a cycling accident – but on both occasions hospital staff failed to give her life-saving antibiotics quickly enough.

The scheme, which has been launched at Baxenden Pharmacy, will see the pharmacies giving leaflets and information cards to their customers explaining the warning signs of the illness.

In addition to this the pharmacies taking part will receive symptom check posters and sheets with signposting for extra information for the pharmacists.

Julie said: “Our local community pharmacies are perfectly placed and well qualified to share public health information with their customers and contribute to improving the health of our local population.

“If spotted and treated promptly sepsis can often be stopped in its tracks and lives can be saved.”

Pharmacies in Burnley, Rawtenstall, Blackburn, Nelson, Colne and Accrington will be taking part in the scheme.

Now fit and well, Julie completed the Great North Swim in June 2014, a one-mile swim in Lake Windermere, raising over £500 for the UK Sepsis Trust.

Visit www.sepsistrust.org.

The pharmacies that taking in the sepsis campaign are in Withnell, Lancaster Bamber Bridge, St. Anne’s, Burnley x 4, Rawtenstall, Lostock Hall, Sharoe Green, Garstang, Ormskirk, Whittle-le-woods, Blackburn x 2, Baxenden, Accrington, Nelson, Colne.