Redding runner's 5K-a-day in May challenge helps ensure little Heidi's memory lives on

Martin Hubbocks (42), from Forrester Street, Redding, was a man on a mission during the month of May as he laced up his running shoes every day to pound the pavements.

Whenever it was raining or windy, or he felt tired or sore, Martin would just think about the inspiration behind his challenge – a baby girl who died at just nine-months old of sepsis.

Heidi Cooper, from Airdrie, lost her fight for life on July 11 last year from the rare condition, which is caused by the body's response to an infection and can be deadly if not treated quickly.

Now Heidi’s parents, who are friends of Martin, have formed Heidi’s Heroes to tell people Heidi’s story in the hope it will prevent the same thing happening to another family.

Martin said: “It’s about raising awareness about sepsis and its signs and symptoms. If they had detected it earlier on they might have been able to save Heidi. If there was more information about sepsis available this might not have happened.”

For his part Martin has so far raised over £1800 for Sepis Research (FEAT).

The talented footballer had been planning to hold a charity football match to coin in cash for Heidi’s Heroes, but that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every four hours sepsis kills someone in Scotland, which equates to 4000 people every year in this country and 52,000 across the UK.

According to the NHS, parents should take their child to hospital immediately if they feel abnormally cold to touch or very lethargic or difficult to wake.

If a child has developed a blue tone to their skin, looks very pale or is breathing very quickly then parents should seek immediate medical assistance.

Another symptom of sepsis is a rash that does not fade when you press it.

Parents should also seek urgent medical attention if their child is finding it difficult to speak, making grunting noises with every breath or has developed a worryingly high or low temperature.

In older children, sepsis can also cause diarrhoea, less frequent urination, clammy skin and slurred speech.

When it comes to babies and toddlers, who have weaker immune systems, parents have to be extra vigilant when looking out for symptoms of sepsis.

A temperature of over 39C or below 36C in babies aged three to six months warrants an emergency response.

If a baby is struggling to eat or drink and has not wet their nappy for over 12 hours, then this could also be a sign of the life-threatening condition.

Parents should also seek urgent medical attention if their baby has developed a bulging soft spot on their head.

Young children with sunken eyes who are physically weak, whining and crying could also be suffering from sepsis.

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-hubbocks1 if you want to donate to the cause.