Sepsis accounts for 48,000 deaths annually in the UK, that’s more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer put together. Sepsis is what happens when our immune system overreacts to an infection with symptoms initially flu-like, but can then rapidly deteriorate into a life threatening condition.

This was the story for Eboracum’s Immediate Past Master, Stan Aylott (image below) who contracted it whilst working in the Confederation of Independent States and later visiting the UAE to stop over for R&R.

Stan says …” Sepsis can affect organs and cause kidney failure. The symptoms in my case were a heavy chest infection (pneumonia) and an inability to make urine which I now know are critical signs of Sepsis. Not realizing, I just pushed on with my professional duties to meet the President of Kyrgyzstan in order to be respectful to his office. Big mistake! The medic from the diplomatic service immediately diagnosed Sepsis and evacuated me to the King's Hospital.

I now advise all colleagues to recognize these signs and symptoms and never board a plane without consulting a doctor. I could have easily succumbed to sepsis through my ignorance about this extremely dangerous condition”.

With this in mind, W. Bro. Nick Thomas, the Secretary and Deputy Chairman of the Masonic Universities Scheme, encouraged and supported by its President, R W Bro Steven Varley, Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, will run the London Landmarks half marathon on the 6th April to raise funds for Sepsis UK. These funds will be used to help raise awareness and knowledge of Sepsis, prevent thousands of deaths and unnecessary suffering, and help people adjust to life after Sepsis through access to their Support Group network.

Eboracum are especially proud of being York’s only University Scheme-affiliated lodge and not forgetting their IPM’s Sepsis experience, they were delighted to respond to the University Scheme appeal through a contribution of £100.