I was dismissed as anxious when my girl was struck by ‘tummy bug’ on hols… then she collapsed in my arms & nearly died

IT’S a sure fire way to ruin a dream holiday – one of the family catching a dreaded stomach bug, but for Laura Perks that nightmare spiralled, and left her daughter fighting for her life. Hearing doctors say there was “nothing more they could do” for her 18-year-old daughter was a moment she will never forget. On their way home from their family holiday in Brazil, Lottie became unwell and deteriorated rapidly Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust Laura claims she was ‘dismissed’ as being ‘overly anxious’ by doctors, until it was discovered that Lottie had a worrying rash Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust What started as a 24-hour illness on holiday turned out to be appendicitis, which developed into sepsis that could have killed her. Laura and Lottie, now 20, had been on a family holiday with dad Chris and younger sister Flo, to Brazil in April 2025. They had an adventure-packed holiday staying in Rio, Paraty and Iguana Falls. But on their way home, Lottie became unwell and deteriorated rapidly at home. Laura claims she was ‘dismissed’ as being ‘overly anxious’ by doctors, until it was discovered that Lottie had a worrying rash. Her legs had started to turn a mottled purple and her body was severely swollen – a sign of sepsis, which kills 48,000 Brits every year. Laura, from London, said: “I knew something was clearly wrong and before they took me seriously, I felt powerless. “She had emergency surgery but it was too late, the sepsis had spread. Pictured, mum Laura and Lottie on holiday before she fell ill Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust What started as a 24-hour illness on holiday turned out to be appendicitis Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust “When she collapsed in my arms, that was her going into septic shock – and the start of her organs ceasing to work. “When they explained about the sepsis and septic shock, and said they’d done all they could do, I felt powerless.” Lottie had been excited to start university while on their holiday. But, within a few days, the trip took a turn, as she began experiencing ‘crippling’ stomach pain, coupled with vomiting. “We assumed it was the travel, a new place, new foods, water, etc.,” says Laura. Like many stomach bugs, 24 hours later, she was back to normal and the family got back to enjoying their holiday. When arriving home, though, it was clear Lottie wasn’t out of the woods. Laura says: “Lottie started feeling as she had done in Brazil, but after attempting to sleep it was more intense and not letting up. “Originally we still thought it was still gastro, as I was unwell for a few days, too. “But she was insistent that it was something more, then she started bleeding when going to the toilet, and I took her to A&E.” At hospital, doctors took blood tests, put Lottie on an IV drip to rehydrate her, and monitored her for three hours. “She was ultimately discharged with a gastro bug, as her blood tests showed normal levels of inflammation,” says Laura. “That night, and the next day, she didn’t improve and became much weaker. “I called the hospital and asked if it could be appendicitis, but they said everything was fine. “She began shaking uncontrollably and I noticed her lips, hands and feet were freezing cold. “Her feet were white and her lips were blue, and her temperature was weirdly very low. Laura took Lottie back to hospital and begged for her to be seen again Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust “Her face and limbs were swollen and flushed. “I had been trying to trust the doctors before this and convince myself they were right. “But, at this point, it was clear something was very wrong. I was terrified. “And then, she collapsed in my arms as her eyes rolled back in her head. “Her blood pressure plummeted and her heart rate raced dangerously high. I thought this was the end.” Trusting her instinct, Laura took Lottie back to hospital and begged for her to be seen again. Doctors allegedly claimed she was simply dehydrated and that they needed to leave the hospital – until an unusual rash was spotted. Lottie’s legs had started to turn a mottled purple and her body was severely swollen. A CT scan was ordered and it was found that her appendix had burst. This had led to sepsis – when the body overeacts to an infection, and the immune system starts attacking healthy tissue. It can lead to organ failure and death. “The inflammatory markers were through the roof, and her sats were awful – so it goes to show how fast things can change, and how it can be masked,” says Laura. “As soon as the scan was done, they were amazing and acted so quickly. “She was ready to go to the operating theatre within 15 minutes. “I thought she’d be OK after the operation. “But the look on the surgeon’s face afterwards told me otherwise.” Doctors said there was “nothing else could be done and it was a waiting game for a week”, says Laura. A CT scan showed that Lottie’s appendix had burst Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust Sepsis - the worrying statistics There are at least 245,000 sepsis cases in the UK annually, with around 48,000 deaths (that’s five every hour) There are almost 50million cases of sepsis globally every year, resulting in 11million deaths As many as 40 per cent of cases are in children under the age of five One in five deaths globally is associated with sepsis Sepsis is the number one cause of death in hospitals It is also the most common reason for hospital admission Around 40 per cent of survivors have one or more cognitive, psychological or physical after effect Sepsis kills more people than breast (11,400), bowel (16,300) and prostate cancer (11,700) combined (39,400) in the UK Lottie was sedated and nurses monitored her kidney, liver and heart function. Luckily, the teen was slowly taken off medication and began recovering. Laura says: “I was treated like an overly anxious mother – but that’s what saved my daughter’s life. “We both suffer from nightmares following the experience. “It’s difficult to look at photos from that time. “And it’s hard not to associate the trip with what happened. “We’ve always enjoyed relatively adventurous holidays and discovering further away places. “But this has definitely put on the radar the possibility of a medical emergency while we’re away. “It’s forever changed us, but we’re so incredibly lucky to have caught it just about in time.” Despite her life being on the line, Lottie managed to return to university and pass her first year with flying colours. Now, she still suffers with bouts of sickness, stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue and difficulty keeping warm. Lottie says she was “initally scared” when she was unwell on holiday, before it turned to frustration. “Genuinely feeling like you’re dying and can’t explain or get anyone to understand was [infuriating],” she says. “I still don’t think I really understood what was happening while I was in the ICU, “Another part of the recovery that was quite frustrating was the loss of all my muscle. “I remember just doing one lap of the ICU when I was well enough and being completely exhausted and my legs feeling so tired. Lottie managed to return to university and pass her first year with flying colours Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust The family are now working with Sepsis Trust to warn others of the signs to look out for Credit: Jam Press/Sepsis Trust “Going from being someone quite active, and having to come to terms with this new situation, was quite a shock.” She feels grateful to be alive and for the doctors who treated her, but it comes with “huge frustration” that her condition could have been treated sooner. “I understand that various possibilities needed to be ruled out; but I wish someone had considered rapidly progressing sepsis as one of those a little sooner. “I also felt frustrated that just being young and female meant that so many things masked it – from doctors thinking I could be pregnant, toxic shock syndrome, period cramps. “That said, I am well aware that I am one of the very lucky ones.” The family are working with Sepsis Trust to warn others of the signs to look out for. Laura added: “Sepsis doesn’t need a cut, injury or an appendix bursting. “It can be from something as simple as a virus. “The symptoms are so subtle and confusing; but can become fatal so quickly. “Having that one question in your mind when advocating for a loved one could save their life.”