Sepsis …the silent killer — Society Marbella

Irish lawyer Doireann O’Mahony has teamed up with ex- Ireland international footballer Stephen Carr to launch a charity raising awareness of sepsis, the so-called “silent killer” which is responsible for approximately 20% of hospital deaths in Ireland and a similar percentage worldwide.

Sepsis is a common and time-dependent medical emergency that can affect anyone and can be triggered by just about any type of infection.

Sepsis is known as the ‘silent killer’ because its symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses. But the good news is that if it is identified and treated early, patients can and do recover.

Founder Doireann commented that the more people who know about sepsis, the safer everyone would be, and with that in mind, the charity’s principal aim would be to raise awareness.

Sepsis is a condition which occurs when infection damages the body’s own tissues and organs. The ensuing syndromic response all too frequently leads to fatalities.

Doireann initially met Stephen Carr in the summer of 2021 when each shared their experience of witnessing the devastation that can be caused by sepsis - Doireann who helps those affected through her legal work, and Stephen whose mother died suddenly in January 2018 due to the condition.

Pictured at the launch of the Irish Sepsis Foundation are (L-R) Timmy Long, Doireann O’Mahony, Stephen Carr, Cork Lord Mayor Deirdre Forde and James Leonard. Photograph by Tadhg Crowley (no reproduction fee)

Both had a strong belief in the importance of raising public awareness of sepsis and its associated risks, as well as supporting those affected. Recognizing that there was no existing sepsis charity in the Republic of Ireland, they collectively decided to change that and the idea for the Irish Sepsis Foundation was born.

The Foundation is honoured to have Stephen as its Patron. Dublin-native Stephen had an illustrious career as a professional soccer player in the English Premier League. He was club captain at two Premier League clubs, and won trophies at both of those clubs. He was voted by his fellow professional players to the PFA Team of the Year. He was widely regarded as the top right back in European football in the early part of this millennium. Having represented his country at all youth levels, Stephen played for the Republic of Ireland senior team in several qualification campaigns, including the memorable campaign that resulted in qualification for the 2002 World Cup. After retiring from playing, Stephen applied the same drive and dedication that brought him such accolades in the soccer world to achieve success in business . Raising his family in the south of Spain, Stephen’s successful business ventures have included the flourishing La Sala By The Sea beach club, bar, and restaurant and the rapidly expanding sustainable leisurewear brand One of One (https://oneofone.world/). Stephen is dedicated to spreading awareness about sepsis, and he is a treasured Patron of the Irish Sepsis Foundation.

The Irish Sepsis Foundation is a member of both the Global Sepsis Alliance and the European Sepsis Alliance.

Find out more about its work at www.sepsisfoundation.ie