'I thought I had flu - it was the reaction of friends that saved my life...'

WHEN Lily McGarry, a sport-loving medicine student at Cardiff University, woke up in January with a sore throat and a bit of a cough she didn’t think much of it.

- BRYANA FRANCIS

Days later her family were told she was the sickest patient in the University Hospital of Wales.

A couple of months later she became a quadruple amputee, having been diagnosed with meningo-coccal septicaemia which developed into septic shock.

Since January Lily has spent time in the University Hospital of Wales, Morriston Hospital, and now Llandough Hospital, where she continues her rehabilitation.

The 24-year-old from Jersey, a talented swimmer and triathlete, went from running a 10k on the Sunday to being seriously ill in hospital by the Tuesday. In the almost 10 months since then Lily’s family have basically lived in south Wales, supporting her along the way.

She said: “To be honest it feels very strange - time has gone so quickly but so slowly and so much has changed. I can’t remember most of January through to April or even May - I still feel a bit stuck in 2024. I often get the date wrong. Without sounding too clichéd it has been an emotional rollercoaster.

“There have definitely been dark days, but the amazing healthcare staff and the support from family and friends has made those difficult times easier. Now that I'm in a rehab centre I have the opportunity to make friends with other patients. We will share our stories and have a laugh but can also support each other through problems.