A charity founded by a couple who lost their daughter to sepsis will close its doors in March.

Dee and John Struthers began Mannin Sepsis in 2016 following their daughter Ann’s death from the illness, which is a complication of an infection which has the potential to be devastating.

Sepsis begins when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection and damages its own tissues and organs.

Mr and Mrs Struthers decided to stop running the charity due to physical and emotional strains on volunteers.

Mrs Struthers reflected on Ann’s death.

She said: ’We were broken-hearted and felt completely in despair, struggling to see a way forward. In the months and years that followed, we realised that knowledge around the signs of sepsis and the risks and complications it can cause was severely lacking in the island - which meant that other families were at risk from being torn apart in the same way ours had.

’We felt impassioned to change this and help raise awareness of the signs of sepsis, as this could save lives.’

Ali Thomas almost lost her own life to sepsis in 2016.

She joined the charity and with Mr and Mrs Struthers she has helped spread the message about discovering sepsis signs which include slurred speech, extreme shivering or muscle pain, passing no urine (in a day), severe breathlessness, feeling of impending doom and mottled or discoloured skin.

After raising funds, Mannin Sepsis was able to buy and give equipment to the Manx Emergency Doctor Service and the Department of Health and Social Care laboratory to identify and assist in treating conditions leading to sepsis.

Mrs Struthers said: ’It is with pride that we can say we have achieved more than we initially set out to. We have been able to build a strong committee of eight, in addition to gaining supporters across the island. Through this, we have been able to host awareness-raising talks, training sessions and support groups - connecting with people across the Isle of Man.

’The fact that more people are now aware of sepsis and the symptoms associated with the devastating condition than when we began and that real lives have been saved because of our work, is truly humbling, and provides us with great comfort.

’This was our motivation behind starting the charity, so it means a lot to us.

’The work of the charity has superseded our original aims.

’Therefore, rather than set new objectives, we decided to take a rest and recover from the emotional impact.

’I am sure you can understand, the emotional and physical toll that managing the charity has on our families is huge.

’Although Mannin Sepsis has provided each of us with a great sense of fulfilment over the past four years, it’s time to reflect on the success and simply take a moment to breathe and acknowledge our accomplishments, before moving on. We are confident in the stories shared by the public that we have raised awareness and saved lives.’

Mr and Mrs Struthers and Mrs Thomas said there were too many people to thank for their support over the last four years.

’There are so many people we are grateful to. We’d like to say a heartfelt thanks to every single person who has supported us or contributed to our efforts in some way, perhaps by donating, attending one of our events or spreading the word about sepsis.

’Every little helps and we are truly thankful for the support we have received along the way.’

Mannin Sepsis is a member of the Global Sepsis Alliance, a non-profit charity.

More than 48,000 people die from sepsis in the UK each year, which equates to five people each hour.

To find out more about the charity and check out some of its resources, head to www.manninsepsis.com.