The death of a 19-year-old ‘life of the party’ this week has led to her friends looking to raise awareness of the symptoms of sepsis.
Holly May Maxwell, of Spalding, died in the early hours of Monday morning, hours after being admitted to hospital.
Her friends say she was initially diagnosed with flu, and then days later was sent to A and E with suspected pneumonia before the sepsis diagnosis.
Now they are urging people to know the symptoms in the hope getting help sooner would mean others wouldn’t have to suffer the loss they have.
Alicia Elsey said: “Holly would help anyone no matter what.
“She constantly put others before herself, she was an amazing person inside and out.
“I feel honoured to have been a part of her life and proud to have known her.
“That girl knew how to party. Literally from just walking in the room, you’d know she was there just from her smile.
“Even if she was feeling down she’d do her hardest to make everyone feel better within themselves and she was always there for you, no matter what you needed.
“She was the best person and best friend anyone could ask for.”
Holly lived with her mum Kylie and leaves behind younger sisters Penny and Lily and brother William.
She’d turned 19 last month while on a Butlins weekend with friends Alicia, Jess Issitt and Marshall Purvis.
Flowers have been laid at Spalding skate park where the former Spalding Academy pupil used to enjoy hanging out in her mid-teens.
Friends also gathered at The Punchbowl on Monday night to celebrate her life, playing her favourite songs.
“Holly was the brightest spark to us all,” said friend Abbi Stanberry. “She would be there in a heartbeat if we needed her.
“She was beautiful inside and out, didn’t have a bad bone in her body ever.
“She was always going above and beyond for everyone around her.
“Holly was always a bubbly girl who you’d never have a dull moment with.”
The symptoms of sepsis for an adult or older child are
- Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
- Blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast.
“We hope nobody has to lose a friend in the way we have,” Abbi continued. “Especially someone who had their whole life ahead of them.
“Getting help as soon as possible could end up being a life saver.”
