The parents of a 13-year-old girl have been left 'heartbroken' after their daughter went from a normal day watching TV to becoming critically ill 12 hours later.
Lauren Menzies, 13, was her usual self when she developed symptoms of flu that quickly took a turn for the worse.
Mum Sarah explained: "Our daughter, Lauren, was a typical cheeky beautiful and healthy 13-year-old girl. Then she caught the flu, which then turned to sepsis.
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"One minute she was laid on the settee at home, watching Modern Family and complaining about the flavour of Lucozade she had been bought. Less than 12 hours later she was fighting for her life at Alder Hey.
"A fight that unfortunately she was to lose, less than six days later."
Lauren’s heartbroken mum and dad, Sarah and Chris, have set up a JustGiving page in their daughter's honour, The Mirror reports.
They hope to raise funds for Sepsis Research FEAT, a charity set up in 2013 and which describes the condition as a "hidden killer." So far, £500 has been raised towards an eventual goal of £5,000.
Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT, said: "A huge thank you to Chris and Sarah for generously raising money to help Sepsis Research FEAT’s work.
"Fundraising activities like this play a vital role in the fight against sepsis. As Sepsis Research FEAT marks its 10th anniversary this year, we’re asking you to consider joining Chris and Sarah in being part of our birthday celebrations and raising money to support an important cause.
"Our Give Us 10! campaign offers a range of fundraising activity suggestions for individuals and groups to take part in.
"Whether you want to try your hand at each of our monthly themes or just stick to the one, we have a whole host of fundraising challenges for you to get involved in.
"We would be very grateful for whatever support you can give to help us continue our work raising awareness of sepsis and funding ground-breaking research."
Chris and Sarah added: "We are raising money for Sepsis Research FEAT in memory of our daughter Lauren, who died from sepsis aged 13.
"We want to concentrate our fundraising efforts going forward towards research into treatments for sepsis. That is why we have decided to join with Sepsis Research FEAT in their fundraising initiatives: to improve outcomes for those affected by sepsis."
Chris and Sarah are organising various fundraising initiatives this year in her memory. First up is the Adventure Challenge which Chris is busy training for and will involve him undertaking a series of three mixed terrain triathlons - viewed as some of the toughest in the country.
You can make a donation to Chris and Sarah’s fundraiser here.
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