Sheffield gran completes highest abseil in UK

A Sheffield GP whose granddaughter was moments away from dying of Sepsis has completed the UK's highest abseil to raise awareness.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jul 2016, 12:45 BST
Updated 20th Jul 2016, 13:59 BST
Sheffield GP Kate Carr has abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to riase awareness of Sepsis after almost losing her granddaughter Megan in February.Sheffield GP Kate Carr has abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to riase awareness of Sepsis after almost losing her granddaughter Megan in February.
Sheffield GP Kate Carr has abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to riase awareness of Sepsis after almost losing her granddaughter Megan in February.

Kate Carr, aged 60, business partner at The Crookes Practice, in Crookes, abseiled down 100 metres of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth earlier this month – the longest abseil in the UK.

The GP said she was inspired to complete the challenge after her five-month-old granddaughter, Megan Carr, nearly died of Sepsis in February.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Megan Carr, five months, was hours away from dying on Sepsis, but was saved thanks to Sheffield Children's HospitalMegan Carr, five months, was hours away from dying on Sepsis, but was saved thanks to Sheffield Children's Hospital
Megan Carr, five months, was hours away from dying on Sepsis, but was saved thanks to Sheffield Children's Hospital

Kate, of Beauchief, said: “Megan was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with severe sepsis – another hour and she would have probably died.”

Kate said Megan contracted Sepsis – which is blood poisoning, usually triggered by an infection or illness – after becoming poorly with chicken pox.

Within a few days she had become ill with several infections and quickly deteriorated.

Kate said: “After a few days of touch-and-go she began to respond to the treatments. It was a terrible time but my family were lucky.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Megan Carr, five months, was hours away from dying on Sepsis, but was saved thanks to Sheffield Children's HospitalMegan Carr, five months, was hours away from dying on Sepsis, but was saved thanks to Sheffield Children's Hospital
Megan Carr, five months, was hours away from dying on Sepsis, but was saved thanks to Sheffield Children's Hospital

“Not every family will be so lucky. But by raising awareness it will go some way to improving outcomes.

“I also want to raise some money for The Children’s Hospital, who gave amazing care when we needed it.”

On the abseil, Kate said: “The worst part was stepping over the edge – it was very scary seeing how far down the ground was.”

To donate, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/katecarr60

Related topics:SepsisSheffieldSheffield Children's HospitalPortsmouth