Austin’s incredible care and comeback
After overcoming life-threatening sepsis, 13-year-old Austin is now thriving, with a future filled with sport. His courage has inspired many, helping raise over £50,000 for Evelina London, where he received compassionate care.
June 2024: Austin was admitted to Evelina London
In June 2024, 12-year-old Austin was living for football matches and cheering on his favourite team, Brighton & Hove Albion. Life was busy, joyful and full of energy. But by the summer, everything changed.
Austin began experiencing leg pain. His ears and toes turned blue and his parents rushed him to their local hospital in Surrey. Within hours, Austin’s condition rapidly declined. Austin had sepsis, a life threatening reaction to an infection. His immune system had begun attacking his own organs and tissues. He needed urgent specialist care.
Transferred to Evelina London Children’s Hospital by the South Thames Retrieval Service, Austin arrived to a team of eight clinicians who would give him the best chance of survival.
His chances were less than five percent.
"That night we were told it was highly likely that Austin would lose this battle, and to prepare for the worst possible outcome. During the first six hours, it was incredible to witness the dedication, focus and determination across the team. Ultimately, he survived and as the sun rose, he was still with us, still fighting.”
“Over 100 people were involved in Austin’s care...Consultants, nurses, nutritionists, physios, play specialists — the entire team was extraordinary.”
