Stars raise cash for Chloe
THE family of tragic Chloe Christopher, above, have been overwhelmed by famous faces who have helped raise awareness of the condition that killed her.
A FAMILY whose daughter tragically died of sepsis two years ago have been overwhelmed by the support of famous faces, including the Stereophonics, to help them raise awareness of the life-threatening condition.
Chloe Christopher, 17, tragically died two years ago after suffering with what appeared to be a chest infection. She passed away on New Year’s Eve, a day after she collapsed.
To date, around £10,000 has been raised in her memory with a huge number of fundraising schemes, and help has been received from the Welsh rockers, BBC Wales weatherman Derek Brockway, Conservative peer Lord Michael Ashcroft and a number of other politicians.
The Stereophonics’ lead singer Kelly Jones is the second cousin of Chloe and grew up in the same village – Cwmaman in the Cynon Valley.
Chloe’s mum Michelle explained: “Last year the band played in Cardiff and agreed to wear wristbands and did a photo shoot that we could use to show they are firmly behind us.
“They also sent us a signed photo to auction off and that raised about £100.”
Weatherman Derek has also played a big part. At a special coffee morning in Cwmaman on March 19, he attended to show support, having lost his father to sepsis.
Chloe’s mum Michelle also recently opened up about the heartbreaking last moments of her daughter’s life to Derek in a programme in which he went on a personal journey to investigate sepsis.It aired on BBC One Wales last November.
Renowned politician and businessman Lord Ashcroft, who also nearly lost his life to sepsis, is matching the amount donated to the UK Sepsis Trust up to £250,000.
Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns and Terrence Canning, the Welsh executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, have also all pledged their support. Family and friends of the former Aberdare Community School pupil and Blaengwawr student have been campaigning to raise awareness of the condition since her death, raising thousands of pounds for the UK Sepsis Trust in the process.
Recent fundraising events have included a memorial football tournament and two of her best friends running the Nos Galan Races. Michelle said she continues to be overwhelmed by local people’s efforts.
She said: “It’s an amazing effort from the Cynon Valley.
“There’s a lot of poverty around here but the people have dug deep into their pockets and we cannot thank them enough.
“I lost my daughter to it but I don’t want anybody else to go through what we have gone through.”
Without treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Michelle added: “There’s not enough public awareness. We want to make sepsis a household name like meningitis and for people to know the signs and symptoms and to help other families avoid what we have been through.
“It’s a bigger killer than prostate, breast and bowel cancer.”
According to the UK Sepsis Trust, you should seek urgent medical help if you develop slurred speech, extreme shivering or muscle pain, if you pass no urine in a day, if you have severe breathlessness or your skin is mottled or discoloured.
To donate to Lord Ashcroft’s appeal, for which every £1 will be matched, visit www.justgiving. com/campaigns/ charity/uksepsistrust/ sepsisunited