Welcome to The Lee Spark NF Foundation

Experiences of necrotizing fasciitis – Wayne’s story

Hi my name is Wayne and I was 32 at the time of my terrible experience of necrotizing fasciitis. Predisposing factor Strep A throat.  3rd March 2011. Admitted to hospital that day as my condition had dramatically worsened. By the 5th March I had been placed on a ventilator. 6th March Feeling very frustrated and […]

Aftercare and support after necrotising fasciitis

We have a wonderful survivor who has experienced so much through her necrotising fasciitis journey and is going to be able to listen to you and understand your experiences and feelings. Becky has survived necrotising fasciitis and knows how you may be feeling. She’s had those bad days, she’s struggled with the same emotions and […]

Can you make us your Charity of the Year?

Can you make us your Charity of the Year? Bit of a plea, this one. We’re looking for any of our survivors, or family and friends, to see whether they could nominate us as their workplace Charity of the  Year? Previously, we’ve raised awareness on a large scale plus fundraising events (raffles/auctions/quiz nights) and also […]

Coronavirus advice from The Lee Spark NF Foundation

In these uncertain times, The Lee Spark NF Foundation has obtained the following expert advice from Dr Tom Parks and Professor Shiranee Sriskandan on coronavirus for survivors of necrotizing fasciitis and their families: “Overall, there is no reason for survivors of NF or their families to be more concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19) than anyone else. However, as for the rest […]

Supporting The Lee Spark NF Foundation!

It may be nice and warm now but soon you’ll be needing one of our beautiful hoodies to keep you warm over the autumn and winter. It’s your time to show your support for The Lee Spark Foundation with our exclusive hoodies! You can chose from either Black/Navy or Grey and our sizes are XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL […]

Donating through Smile Amazon

What is Smile Amazon? Everyone loves the convenience of shopping online and Amazon is at the forefront of the online shopping revolution. Now you can shop online and donate through Amazon Smile at the same time – it’s so simple! Did you know when shopping through Smile Amazon you can request a donation to your […]

Ginny Duffy, who beat flesh-eating disease, says thank you to her nurses

A heartfelt thank you: Ginny Duffy, who overcame flesh-eating disease, acknowledges her nurses. Ginny Duffy, the long-time basketball official who is still in the midst of recovering from a flesh-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis, was featured on SILive.com earlier this week. Duffy, who has refereed games at many different levels — including high school girls’ […]

Assisting survivors with skin care

We are forever striving to assist survivors of necrotising (necrotizing) fasciiitis in their rehabilitation. Many of you have said that Body Shop creams are working brilliantly for you on your donor sites, skin grafts and other skin changes. We have a selection available for you at a reduced price: Vitamin E body butter Shea body […]

Dad, 34, catches NF in his hand after gardening cut

Father-of-two, 34, nearly died after catching rare flesh-eating bug that turned his hand to ‘mush’ when he cut it while gardening A green-fingered dad revealed he almost lost his hand to a flesh-eating bug he picked up while doing the gardening. Steve Palmer, 34, was left with his flesh eaten away to his tendons – […]

Merchandise – showing your support & raising awareness!

Want to show your support and help to raise awareness for The Lee Spark Foundation? We are proud to share that we have some official merchandise for sale if you would care to offer your support and help to raise awareness, all showing our charity details. You can see the full range here. Raising awareness […]

After 12 surgeries, 14-month-old boy is still fighting flesh-eating bacteria

After 12 surgeries, 14-month-old Virginia boy still fighting flesh-eating bacteria. 14-month-old Camden Burnett was just like any other one-year-old up until two weeks ago. His mothers, Miranda and Chrissy Robertson, took him to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where he flatlined, or didn’t have a heartbeat or brain waves, for four-and-a-half minutes. Camden was then airlifted to UVA […]

Coronavirus outbreak – taking care of yourself

While there is plenty of official advice coming from the government; we just wanted to remind you to take care of yourself during the Coronavirus outbreak. Unfortunately we all have a low immune system at times. Having necrotizing fasciiitis and ongoing health problems mean we are quite vulnerable to other viruses. The Coronavirus is now […]

Steve’s NF story – “flesh-eating bug attacked my body”

When Steve Overton felt a “sharp prick” on his leg while walking his two dogs in a field last November, he thought very little of it: ‘I was put in an induced coma when a flesh-eating bug attacked my body’. But within hours he was in excruciating pain, unable to walk and needed to be rushed […]

Donna’s life changed after NF ‘your face is missing’

THREE years ago Donna Corden’s life changed when, after waking from a coma, she was met with the words: ‘Your face is missing.’ She had fallen victim to the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis after a minor cut became infected. Now, after 10 operations, Donna says she is doing ‘much better’. ‘I’ve still got a long […]

Father of three in critical condition after developing Group A Strep

A California father of three is in critical condition after developing two life-threatening illnesses while travelling overseas. On Jan. 18, Jonathan Watson was away on business in Europe when he “fell seriously ill.” Following his trip, Watson was admitted to Saddleback Hospital near his southern California home where he was diagnosed with Influenza B and […]

Janine’s NF story – overcoming the odds

Janine’s overcoming the odds, beating NF. Well-known local woman Janine Howard will feature in tonight’s edition of the popular BBCNI documentary series, True North. ‘Saving Face’ follows the story of 35-year-old Janine and her preparations for her marriage to fiancé Matthew Light in October. Janine was just two years old when she was diagnosed with […]

Kylei Parker’s mum shares her NF story

Kylei Parker’s mum wants other people to learn the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis, so they can stop the infection before it’s too late. Countless families head to beaches along the East Coast this time of year for a little rest and relaxation. But one mom wants other parents to know that there’s a hidden danger […]

Student contracts flesh-eating disease after mosquito bite in Cambodia

A British student nearly died from a flesh-eating bug after a single mosquito bite while on holiday in Cambodia. Donna Cox, 22, spent five weeks in hospital after contracting necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection that attacks the body’s soft tissue. Doctors told her they could be forced to amputate her leg after she developed sepsis […]

Las Vegas cosmetologist with NF is ‘beating the odds’

‘She’s beating the odds’: Las Vegas cosmetologist, 22, with flesh-eating bacteria infection that kills 1 in 3 is awake after surgery, talking and can even stand with help. A 22-year-old cosmetologist who contracted a flesh-eating bacterial infection that stopped her heart on Thanksgiving day is awake, talking and on even on her feet with some […]

Robin’s amazing fundraising continues!

Robin’s amazing fundraising continues! One of our incredible survivors, Robin Grant (a 5 year survivor of NF) set himself an impressive target this year. He wanted to raise money for us here at The Lee Spark NF  Foundation by doing at least 2 10k runs and a half marathon. Robin explains “I set myself a […]

Florida woman hospitalised by necrotizing fasciitis

Florida resident Kelli Brown Whitehead was recently hospitalised and diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Whitehead’s family members suspect but have not confirmed that Whitehead’s illness is related to wading in the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday, Nov. 4 Whitehead’s family gathered around her at Blake Medical Center for what they feared might be one of the […]

Woman left in coma after cat scratch turns into NF

Woman, 65, left in coma after her ‘spiteful’ Siamese cat scratched her. A grandmother had to spend over six weeks in hospital due to a scratch from her pet cat. Shirley Hair, 65, almost died when she developed sepsis, septic shock, organ failure, pneumonia and the flesh-eating bug Necrotizing fasciitis. The grandmother-of-five didn’t connect her […]

Group A Streptococcus Focus Meeting

It was absolutely fabulous to be part of the Group A Streptococcus Focus Meeting on 29/30th October, held at London’s School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine . It was an honour to be asked to participate and contribute to some of the already excellent work being undertaken by the team. We all benefited from working […]

Mother loses arm after catching NF and fighting for her life

Mother loses her arm after catching a flesh-eating bug which left her fighting for her life in a coma for 11 days. A mother-of-two lost her arm because of a flesh-eating bug which left her fighting for her life in a coma for 11 days. Keirra Eames was originally rushed into hospital with flu-like symptoms, […]

Remembering Lee Spark on his birthday

Remembering my dear son on his birthday today. So sadly lost to this horrific disease. But also celebrating the success of our Charity in supporting so many families worldwide. RIP Stephen Lee Spark 18-10-1975 to 06-10-1999 Love always, Mum. Dee Founder/The Lee Spark NF Foundation. Reg Charity: 1088094

Bug bite leads to NF and sepsis for mum on holiday

A mum-of-one has told how she almost lost her leg after being bitten by a mystery bug during a girls’ holiday to Benidorm. Faye Wilkes, 41, from Dartford, Kent, was sunbathing by the hotel pool with her sister Carrie, 43, when she felt something bite her left foot. She swiftly batted the pest away and […]

Mum almost killed by necrotizing fasciitis after C-section

A mum has told of her C-section horror after she was nearly killed by a flesh eating infection (necrotizing fasciitis) that smelled “like dead bodies”. Stricken Claire Gurney, 37, says an excruciating “black mass” enveloped her stomach just two days after she gave birth to her new baby boy last month. Mum-of-four Claire, from Kettering, […]

Need a respite holiday? Let us help!

The Lee Spark NF Foundation would like to invite applications from survivors, bereaved or carers of NF Worldwide to have a wonderful one week respite holiday for two people staying at Los Giles, Almeria, Spain. This property is so cute and is 100+ years old. https://www.facebook.com/thegrapevinesbnb. May 2020 The applicant should email us on [email protected] […]

Mother ’24 hours away from dying’ after catching NF from C-section

A first-time mother has told how she caught a flesh-eating bug (necrotizing fasciitis) after an emergency cesarean, which left her 24 hours away from death. Krista Parise, 32, spent two weeks in hospital battling necrotizing fasciitis – a vicious infection that destroys skin, muscles and fat. Doctors found she had contracted a bacterial infection during […]

Mum nearly loses arm after catching flesh-eating bug at nail salon

A mum almost lost her arm – after catching a flesh-eating bug from her local nail salon. Jayne Sharp, from Tennessee in the US, was forced to undergo a string of operations to remove large chunks from her hand after they were destroyed by the infection. Jayne first suspected something was wrong after she was […]

Essex mum gets NF through mosquito bite

Mum’s ‘heart stopped for three minutes’ after she was bitten by a mosquito in her back garden and developed necrotizing fasciitis. A mum has revealed how her heart stopped for three minutes after being bitten by a mosquito in her back garden. Kim Robinson, 25, developed a flesh-eating bug and feared her leg would be […]

Dad dies of ‘flesh-eating’ disease after doctors fail to diagnose

A Birmingham dad went to hospital with arm pain but died 36 hours later after medics failed to spot a ‘flesh-eating’ condition in time. Heartlands Hospital investigation found a ‘lack of recognition’ of sepsis by doctors meant an ‘opportunity was missed’ to diagnose the condition and remove the infected tissue Dennis Pearce was admitted to Birmingham’s Heartlands […]

Teenager dies of necrotizing fasciitis after doctors send him home 3 times

Teenager, 18, who was sent home from hospital three times in just 48 hours after complaining about knee pain dies – because doctors missed he was suffering from a flesh-eating disease A teenager died of an infected toenail after being sent home from hospital three times following a series of horrific blunders. Alex Haes, 18, […]

A huge thank you to our fundraisers!

We’re taking the opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing fundraisers! You’ve all worked so hard in your campaigning and fundraising. Thank you everyone! We’re very fortunate in that lots of people chose to raise money and awareness for us, something we never take for granted and are hugely appreciative […]

Father of four dies after contracting flesh-eating bacteria

A 50-year-old man who lost a quarter of his skin to flesh eating bacteria has died. David Ireland, from Orlando in Florida, died on Thursday, according to an obituary published on Newcomer Orlando. Mr Ireland was admitted to the emergency ward at a Florida hospital with “flu-like symptoms”, but his condition quickly deteriorated in August, according to […]

Strep Gene researchers discuss results

Following up on research done over a decade ago, the Strep Gene researchers have now found that a particular difference in one of these HLA markers called HLA-DQA1 occurs twice as often in patients who have suffered life-threatening group A streptococcal infection compared to the general population. To make sure this result was not a […]

Paul Blakemore’s 12-hour gaming stream

Paul Blakemore is taking on a 12-hour gaming stream to raise money for us! He explains why: “Hello. And this is my story.. or should I say all sufferers story… The disease is horrible. For some its more or less hidden (my right under arm and surrounded area) people still ask.. “what’s that by your […]

Experts warn that necrotizing fasciitis may be spreading to seafood, beaches due to climate change

A new report from researchers at the Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey suggests that necrotizing fasciitis may no longer be as rare as previously assumed, no thanks to climate change and global warming. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapid-spreading, life-threatening bacterial disease that destroys the fascia, the tissue under the skin surrounding muscles, fats, […]

Another NF case in the US

Another case of flesh-eating bacteria (necrotising fasciitis) sends Tarpon Springs fisherman to the hospital. Necrotizing fasciitis is somewhat rare, but it’s called “flesh-eating” because the infection progresses so rapidly. George Billiris got it while wading in the Gulf of Mexico. It was just another day for fisherman George Billiris when he took his grandson out […]

High court case as pensioner loses arm due to NF

A pensioner who lost her arm after catching a flesh-eating bug (necrotising fasciitis) at church hall pilates class has won her claim in negligence against the NHS at the High Court. Patricia Austin, 78, contracted necrotising fasciitis after injuring her arm at a resistance band workout at a church hall in Aylesbury, on August 8, […]

Jacqui Dimmock’s 46 mile bike ride!

So exciting to share that Jacqui Dimmock is taking on the Prudential RideLondon! 46 miles – phew! Jacqui is taking part in Prudential RideLondon 46 to raise funds for prostate cancer and necrotising fasciitis/ severe streptococcal infection, two causes that have unfortunately hit close to home. She said “I want to support Prostate Cancer UK […]

Fundraising for Anita McIlvaney

We are fundraising for our beloved Anita. Anita was tragically taken from us on 16th June 2019. Anita was so cheerful and positive, and most would say ‘high on life.’ Her day to day living was centred around supporting others be it family, friends, or those she helped through her work. Anita was a tremendous […]

Florida NF death after family beach trip

Dad eaten alive by deadly parasite 48 hours after family beach trip. Dave Bennett, from Memphis, started showing symptoms within 12 hours before the flesh-eating bug turned into sepsis and claimed his life A dad has been eaten alive by a deadly parasite 48 hours after a family beach trip – in the same area […]

Laura’s bike ride from London to Paris

We are so proud to share that Laura Eaton will be cycling from London to Paris to raise money and awareness for us! So, now that Laura finally has a bike(!), she has started training and is excited to share that along with Amy, she will be cycling to Paris! This is a huge challenge, […]

Robin keeps on running for The Lee Spark Foundation!

We’re so excited to share that Robin Grant is running again! He’s already completed the Balmoral 10k in April, and now he’s taking on the great Aberdeen half marathon in August and then the River Ness 10k in October. Not only that but he also hopes to add a few more through the year. Absolutely […]

Pensioner dies of strep A and sepsis after dog scratch

Really sad story recently in The Mirror recently, where a pensioner died after contracting strep A and later sepsis, after her husband’s guide dog scratched her. Carol Parsons, 72, had the bacteria on her skin and Labrador cross Quinney was not the carrier, the hearing was told yesterday. The pensioner treated the two tiny scratches […]

Trish’s knockout victory in memory of her dear friend Michelle

Trishna Jethwa recently competed in (and won!) a fundraising boxing match in memory of her dear friend Michelle. Michelle sadly lost her life to necrotising fasciitis and since then Trishna has been determined to honour her and there’s no better way than to box your way to victory! Trishna kindly raised money for us and […]

Strep A outbreak in Essex hospital

Twelve people have died of a rare bacterial infection known as Strep A that has spread in Essex, the NHS has said. There have been 32 reported cases of the disease, called invasive Group A streptococcus (iGAS), according to the NHS Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group. It said the outbreak started in Braintree and has since spread to […]

Pete’s Sunday Club Ride fundraiser

After losing his sister 6 years ago to necrotising fasciitis, Pete and 4 friends are cycling from St Ives Cornwall to St Ives Cambs over 4 days August 9th – 12th, as a way of paying tribute and spreading awareness and contributing to The Lee Spark Foundation. Pete explains “from admittance at hospital on the […]

Angie Cox running the Plymouth 10k for The Lee Spark Foundation!

We’re extremely grateful to share that Angie Cox will be running the Plymouth 10k for The Lee Spark Foundation! Angie explains “After a dear friend lost her Dad just over a year ago to necrotising fasciitis, she was diagnosed with PTSD and has now ended up having to give up a career that she was […]

One in six sepsis patients die within a year after leaving hospital

One in six sepsis patients die within a year of leaving hospital, a study has found, prompting calls for better post-infection care. The first research to analyse long-term outcomes also found that a further six to eight per cent of sepsis patients who recover from the condition die each year over the following five years. Sepsis is […]

Frank the Tank Smashes It & Raises £400!

Congratulations and a huge thank you to little Frankie & his dad Wayne for smashing the Sunderland 3k run in just 19 minutes and 3 seconds and raising £400 for The Lee Spark Foundation! Frankie has suffered so much but has defeated necrotising fasciitis and is proof that you can achieve anything if you put […]

The Fan Dance 2018

On Sunday 25th November Liam Rodney and Harry Curbishley took on the Fan Dance Challenge which is a 15 mile treck over over the Pen-Y- Fann and back which is located within the Brecon Beacons. this is used by the SAS as a final test for the recruits to navigate in harsh conditions and environment. […]

The Final INFECT Project Meeting!

We have been honoured to be part of the EU INFECT project for the last  7 years with 13 partners from around the globe who are experts in the early diagnosis and surgical intervention of necrotising fasciitis. Our very last meeting will take place in Bergen, Norway on the 18th – 21st June where an […]

This Pen Can Save A Life!

Our Educational Training USB/pens are distributed to assist in the educational learning for medical staff who are likely to assist in the treatment and survival of necrotising fasciitis. From early diagnosis to surgery this tool will be an extremely useful tool to pass on to your colleagues. We want to save lives and avoid debridement […]

Thank You Jessica!

A huge thank you to Jessica Archer, who has raised an impressive £1275 for The Lee Spark NF Foundation by completing the Simply Health Manchester 10k run! Great work Jessica!

We’re at the IPS Conference in Glasgow!

Our very own Doreen was at the IPS Conference in Glasgow this week, working hard and raising awareness!

Fundraising!

To raise awareness of necrotising fasciitis through education and distribution we need your support. This is usually in the form of fundraising. We can help and support you through your events. You will be provided with T shirts, shakers, wrist bands and balloons. Many thanks … happy eventing 😉  

An Invitation to our Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatters Ball!

You are invited to our next Ball, which we are excited to say has an Alice in Wonderland theme! We really can’t wait to see all of your costumes and creations! Tickets are £30 per adult, £15 per child aged between 6 & 12 and £5 per child aged between 2 & 5. Please email […]

Fundraiser – Gabby Niman Live in Concert!

Gabby Jacobs Niman has put an event together to help raise awareness and to fundraise for The Lee Spark NF Foundation. Gabby’s father survived necrotising fasciitis 9 years ago but sadly did have his arm amputated in order to save his life. Gabby will never forget the very difficult time they had seeing their father […]

A Huge Thank You!

A huge ‘thank you’ to Jessica Archer, who recently competed in the Manchester 10k on behalf of The Lee Spark Foundation. Jessica participated to raise awareness after her father survived necrotising fasciitis one year ago. Jessica has raised an incredible £1081 so far! Thank you Jessica – we think you’re amazing!

Thank You to Our Amazing Fundraisers!

A great big ‘thank you!’ to our amazing fundraisers Claire Price and Vicky Macqueen, both running the London Marathon this weekend on behalf of The Lee Spark Foundation! Vicky is a survivor who contracted necrotising fasciitis in 2013 and was close to an amputated leg but because of the amazing and swift actions of the […]

Skin spray heals US woman’s flesh-eating bacteria wounds

An experimental skin spray has given a US woman back her skin after drug-resistant bacteria devoured most of the flesh on her left side. In January, Christin Lipinski, 37, developed flu-like symptoms and pain under her armpit. Doctors at Maricopa Integrated Health System – a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona – found she was infected with a […]

Dad Struck by Deadly Bug Makes Return to Parkrun

A dad who nearly died when life-threatening sepsis transformed into a ‘flesh-eating’ bacterial infection has made his return to Rogiet parkrun. Luke Dobson was struck down with sepsis in January and has since undergone several major surgeries and spent several weeks in intensive care. But on Saturday the 42-year-old braved the blizzard like conditions as […]

Halifax Woman Contracts Flesh-eating Disease

In just a few hours, a Halifax woman went from shovelling snow with her husband to fighting for her life in hospital. Colleen Hilton initially thought she had the flu. Doctors realized her rapidly deteriorating health was due to something far more serious, necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease. “She went from being a […]

Adam Wilkins 24th Jun 1990 – 18th Feb 2018

Adam’s Funeral Notice. We are devastated to announce that our wonderful Adam passed away on the 18th February after fighting to overcome a rare infection called Necrotising Fasciitis. Trevor, Christine and Clarice would like to invite all family and friends to join us in a celebration of Adam’s life on Wednesday 4th April at Chelmsford […]

Support on Scarring from Changing Faces

We at The Lee Spark NF Foundation are passionate about supporting survivors, bereaved  and their families who have suffered from necrotising fasciitis, commonly referred to as the ‘flesh-eating disease’; through listening to you for the past 18 years we understand many survivors have terrible issues with scarring after their experience. As part of our ongoing aims we are […]

A ‘blister’ Turns Out to be Flesh-eating Disease

Raul Reyes, a 26-year-old Houston daycare teacher, had hurt his foot at work. It was swollen and soon, a blister formed, which he thought was caused by his shoe rubbing his swollen foot. When Reyes woke up the next morning, the blister covered his whole foot. A medical clinic rushed him to the hospital. In […]

Cracking Knuckles Causes NF in US Case

A man in Kentucky developed a life-threatening infection from “flesh-eating bacteria” — and nearly lost his hand — after cracking his knuckles, according to news reports. The 31-year-old man, Antoine Boylston, was at work one day in April 2016 when he cracked his knuckles — a frequent habit of his, according to the Daily Mail. But […]

18 Year-Old Marine Dies of Necrotising Fasciitis

A Marine stationed at Twentynine Palms died just eight hours after a flesh-eating disease diagnosis, officials said. Pfc. William Becket Kiernan, 18, died of a bacterial skin infection known as necrotizing fasciitis on Feb. 4 2018. No additional cases of necrotizing fasciitis have been reported at the Marine Corps base, Capt. Karen Holliday told Marine Corps […]

Have your say! Tell us about your NF experience and help others

As many of you are aware we are in our final stages of the INFECT Programme working with our EU partners . . Achieving guidelines in the prevention of NF from early diagnosis through to surgical intervention. Not forgetting aftercare. Now with your kind permission we would appreciate your input. We have put together a […]

Sepsis takes life of 23 year-old man in Grimsby

A 23-year-old music fan who thought he had flu died of sepsis just 24 hours after being diagnosed. Daniel Sheppard was suffering from a high temperature and delirium at his home in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, and a day later was having problems with his vision. He thought he had been struck down by the flu […]

Doctors mistake NF for a pulled muscle

A mum was left fighting for her life after a tiny cut triggered a NF, after doctors mistook pain for a pulled muscle. Laura Hayes-Meerman lost the skin and muscle from the right side of her body after surgeons were forced to cut away the dead tissue. The 52-year-old was on holiday, skiing in Vermont […]

Recorded sepsis cases in Wales are increasing

Recorded cases of the potentially deadly infection sepsis are on the rise in Welsh NHS hospitals, new figures have revealed. In 2016-17, hospitals recorded a combined 12,589 sepsis cases compared to 11,457 in 2014-15 – an increase of 10%. While the Welsh Conservatives describe these figures as a cause for concern, health boards say they suggest NHS staff are […]

Dad almost loses arm to NF

Luke Dobson, 42, was suffering from flu-like symptoms when he developed a pain in his elbow. Thinking it was just aches and pains caused by the virus he thought nothing of it, but his condition soon took a turn for the worse. Luke, from Undy in South Wales, was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis. […]

Texas woman loses life to NF after eating raw oysters

A Texan woman has died after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria after eating raw oysters on a trip to the the Louisiana coast. Jeanette LeBlanc died after a three-week battle with vibriosis, an illness typically caused by eating raw seafood. After shucking and eating roughly two dozen raw oysters with her wife and a friend, LeBlanc began having […]

Another tragic death as 8 year-old boy contracts NF after bike fall

An eight-year-old boy has died just days after contracting flesh-eating bacteria despite four major operations that involved amputating almost every limb. Liam Flanagan, a second-grader who loved cycling and animals, crashed his bike as he rode down his family’s hill in Spring Creek, Oregon, on Saturday January 13.  The handlebar sliced through his jeans, and […]

Seasons Greetings!

Seasons greetings from all of us here at the Lee Spark Foundation. We wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2018!

INFECT Meeting in Stockholm

I was honoured to represent the Lee Spark Foundation at the 5th annual INFECT meeting in Stockholm at the beginning of December. It was fantastic to meet and work with such an excellent group of people, all working towards the same goal – “to advance our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms, prognosis, and diagnosis of […]

29th Nov – 1st Dec is the 5th Annual INFECT Meeting

This week sees the 5th annual INFECT meeting, where our co-ordinator Wayne will be attending on behalf of The Lee Spark Foundation. As someone that has been through necrotising fasciitis, Wayne is aware of the need for medical research and will be able to add valuable insight to this project. What is INFECT? The overall […]

Looking For Work After NF? Try This . .

We all know that getting back to work after a serious illness such as NF can be daunting. So many questions . . . How will I cope with full-time work and stress? Do I tell them about my illness? What if I need support? So, we’ve been on the look-out for good employers with […]

NF causes new mum to become quadruple amputee

When new mother Lindsey Hubley returned to the hospital with severe stomach pains a few days after giving birth, she was told it was just constipation and sent home. Hours later, though, the 33-year-old Canadian was rushed into emergency surgery and eventually diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis—also known as flesh-eating bacteria. Hubley was suffering from septic […]

Working with INFECT

We are proud to be a partner of INFECT. This EU project aims at applying a systems medicine approach to elucidate the complex host and pathogen signatures that dictate severe bacterial soft tissue infections. INFECT aims to substantially contribute to the systems understanding of the pathophysiology of highly lethal destructive soft tissue infections, i.e. necrotizing […]

Fundraising!

A huge thank you and well done to Tim Ogdon, who has raised £1456.25 for our charity! Tim showed superhuman strength by completing 3 half-marathons this year in memory of his brother Jonathan, who tragically took his life after his battle with NF. Another terrible reminder of why we must continue to raise awareness and […]

Science Daily discuss how 2 Group A Strep Genes link to NF

Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause a variety of illnesses that range from mild nuisances like strep throat to life-threatening conditions including pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome and the flesh-eating disease formally known as necrotizing fasciitis. The life-threatening infections occur when the bacteria spread underneath the surface of the skin or throat and invade the underlying soft […]

Aimee Copeland speaking on NF at US event

Aimee Copeland, a young woman who lost her hands, a leg and a foot in a fight with flesh-eating bacteria, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s Power of the Purse Luncheon for United Way. The event will be held Nov. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Luke Ministry Center. […]

Remembering Lee Spark . . .

18 years ago today my family and I lost our son, brother, nephew, cousin and uncle .. Stephen Lee Spark. We still struggle to believe how a tooth abscess could have developed so quickly into necrotising fasciitis. Though we will never forget his death we feel proud that the Lee Spark NF Foundation was born […]

What Are Flesh-Eating Bacteria, And How Do You Fight Them?

National Geographic have recently published an article on how science is working at fighting NF. Read the full story here. DISCLAIMER We at The Lee Spark NF Foundation (including our professional network); do not support any advertising found in these links. The wording used, though helpful in raising awareness of necrotising fasciitis, is used in […]

Texas Floods Cause NF Death

The New York times have published a story on how a woman contracted NF and died from the recent Texas floods. The full, tragic story can be found here DISCLAIMER We at The Lee Spark NF Foundation (including our professional network); do not support any advertising found in these links. The wording used, though helpful […]

Running 10k for Dave Green!

On 8th July 2017, we had a 12 strong team running a 10k in Leeds for the Dave Green Memorial Run. Dave passed away suddenly in 2008 from necrotising fasciitis leaving all his family and friends in shock. Remembering him in this way is a great tribute and will continue to make this an annual event […]

31.05.17 Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day !!!!

  Its official !!! So grateful for my global friends for arranging this annual celebration. Joining hands globally in our campaign to save lives through education. Raising awareness of this horrific disease that affects to many lives.  

30.05.17 Tomorrow Is going to be a very special day

Tomorrow is a celebration of awareness ….wait for the news !!!!!!  

This Time Next Year !!!……Devina McCall

Hi everyone in the UK we have been approached by a production company who works with ITV. They ask if we have any survivors or bereaved that would like to be a part of their next series 3..”.This Time Next Year.”…..I am sure most of you know that Devina McCall hosts the show and meets […]

Mums story by Jayde !!!

Another lovely family affected by necrotising fasciitis  !!!! Jayde is striving to raise awareness of NF and raise funds for the maxillofacial team at the Leeds General Infirmary. PLEASE BE AWARE OF GRAPHIC IMAGES that may be upsetting.  

5th Dec 16. Adjusting back to your work place !!!

I understand that a lot of people that contract necrotising fasciitis have difficulty adapting after their debridement. Many of you have been unable to continue with your existing employee and living with a disability you may need adjustments in the workplace. We hope this link helps to showcase employers that have these ethics and will […]

9th Nov 16 Plans for 2017 !!!!

Its all gogogo here at The Lee Spark NF Foundation. Really good idea’s swimming round in our heads for 2017 and we have developed a new social media page for all those interested athletic peeps to join in. Keeping fit in our minds is a good start for our 2017 goals. We are starting a […]

Unbelievably Good !!! ….Monster Mash Charity Ball 2016

What a brilliant night !!!!…the costumes …the fun ….the fantastic surprises (more to tell) ….everyone could tell a heart rendering story but achieved their spirit of Halloween. Proud to know these lovely lovely people xx

Halloween Charity Ball Celebrations !!!

Well one day to go to our Halloween ..Monster Mash Charity Ball. Uniting survivors, bereaved, family & friends all with one thing in common….necrotising fasciitis. Bless them all.!!!

5th Oct 16 —- Good start to 2017 Fitness Regime !!

https://sthelens10k.co.uk/ Anyone wanting to have a goal for next year ? Why not join me in my hometown for a 10k run on Sunday 5th March 2017. £20 entrance fee !!! Be great to see a group of us there…x  

3rd Oct 16….Just Quite Unbelievable !!

Jayne…well this is a fantastic short story. Jayne developed necrostising fasciitis in January 2015 and suffered significant tissue loss. She stayed in hospital for three months rebuilding her strength again after having surgery many times. While she was in hospital her mother sadly passed away from Cancer. Quite unbelievable how anyone can survive both these […]

29th Sept ….Go Go Robin !!!

  29th Sept...Go Go Robin !! Another run conquered . Robin is a survivor of necrotising fasciitis...he has come along way in such a very short time. His fight and determination has inspired him to compete in running events. The most recent one The River Ness  10k in Inverness on Sunday 25th Sept.  His position [...]

20th Sept 16…. Well done Ian

On the 18th September Ian Hurst competed in the 10k Wigan (Lancashire) race…guess what Ian competed this race in his wheel chair his time 1 hour :42 mins. Brilliant !!! Ian lost his mother from necrotising fasciitis and he wanted to raise awareness as well as funds . Thank you Ian for supporting our charity […]

16th Sept…Colin is Raising Awareness !!

  Colin lives in County Antrim  Northern Ireland with his wife Linda – Jane. He is a survivor of necrotising fasciitis. His journey started in April when he started to feel very cold and generally not well. He went to bed and became worse during the night feeling nausea with extreme thirst. By 6 am […]

15th Sept 16 …..Back in the saddle

Kate’s Story (in her own words) In Feb 2008 I contracted NF, no idea how. At first the hospital thought it was Gastroenteritis but I was getting sicker by the hour. 5 days later I was transferred to a different hospital where thankfully they recognised that I had NF. By this time it had a […]

8th Sept 16 Good luck to the Norman’s

Good luck to the Norman brothers who are running in The Great North Run on Sunday 11th September. A family getting together showing courage, strength and commitment through the sad loss of their dear father on the 16th August 2015 one year ago from necrotising fascitis. Raising awareness of necrotiising fasciitis and raising funds so we […]

6th Sept 16 Educational Learning

Posting  280 of our Educational Learning USB pens to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. Thank you for your continued support ..striving to save lives through presentations and experience. Your knowledge and commitment is very much appreciated.  

Celebration Evening 2nd Sept 16

https://www.nhschoir.com/ What a lovely evening at The Rivoli Ballroom Brockley London. How lovely ….. NHS staff not only give their care and compassion in their every working hour, But to form a choir. To have reached number 1 in the charts and to contribute to wonderful charities like ours …thankyou so very much for your […]

Survivors and Their work with The Lee Spark NF Foundation…

Looking Fab with the Educational Dvd's and USB Pens Well our lovely Elaine McCulloch Ambassador for Scotland attended The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh Seminar to give a talk about The Lee Spark NF Foundation and what it means to her. The following is an account of her day: 0645 - Left Home for our journey [...]

Spring has Sprung

Finally, Spring has Sprung… Everything is coming back to life, the days are getting longer and the plans for the ball are well under way.. I have to thank a few companies for their generous donations so far for raffle prizes etc,     * Manchester United Football Club have Donated a Signed Football, the […]

Halloween Ball

Woo hoo, now come on everyone do not forget to get your tickets for the 2016 Annual Ball.. The plans are coming along nicely,  you are all in for a treat I’m sure. It’s going to be a thriller evening for all… xxx  

2016 Annual Ball

Lets get the party started!!!  It is that time of year again when all systems are go for the Annual Ball. The Theme this year is HALLOWEEEEEEEEEN. Be as scary or as cuddly as you like… Halloween is what you make it. What would be fantastic is, if that all children attending could bring carved […]

Wow….. Just Wow

Wow, what can I say….. The coffee morning went with a BANG!!! There were many wonderful, lovely, tasty treats to be had. £270 was raised which is a wonderful figure but most importantly lots of awareness.  Everyone was talking about NF and leaflets given out. Looking forward to next event now. A MASSIVE THANK YOU […]

3 Days To Go

3 Days to go guys until the first ever Lee Spark Coffee morning!!  I am actually feeling quite excited about it and the information about NF that can reach other people raising awareness further. I will be making Key Lime Cupcakes, “Flirty Dirty” Brownies and many other wonderfully naughty treats. Not to forget a lovely […]

9 Days to go…..

What a beautiful afternoon, a little chilly but the sun is shining. Only 9 days to go until the first ever Lee Spark Coffee Morning on Friday 22nd January 2016… We would like as many people to take part as possible, no event is too big or too small. From a small gathering of friends […]

2016 is Coming and so are some new and exciting things!!

Well, 2015 is slowly drawing to a close and it is time to start thinking about some new and wonderful ways to increase knowledge and awareness of NF.. Let me introduce myself, I am Theresa, I am a newly appointed Trustee to The Lee Spark NF Foundation and Events Co-ordinator. We have a lot of […]

To many to mention

James Walker your a star *********

Absolute privileged to meet James Walker family and friends today. They were all out in force to support James at the Stafford 1/2 marathon today 22/3/15…so far James has raised £1,142:50 …brilliant !!! thank you to everyone who has given so generously and supported James and our charity.James’s family member has suffered the dreadful necrotising […]

Beautiful day and everything is so good !!

First email I opened this morning …confirmation of me teaching students all about necrotising fasciitis at St Barts London School of Medicine and Dentistry….absolutely wonderful !!!  Starting in May this year. Perfect start of The Lee Spark NF Foundation  core training. Feeling very privileged…and cannot wait …lets make a difference 🙂 x www.nfsuk.org.uk

Wow what a day 🙂 x

We (Alex lewis..Jane Eccles and myself) gave an exceptional presentation today at Bethel Conference Centre West Midlands. 110 Health Care Professionals were truly amazed by our experiences and I think i am correct in saying they were in Orr of us and also all the families of many more survivors and bereaved that have suffered […]

Looking forward to tomorrow 17th March

17th March 2015 – Infection Prevention Control Conference Looking forward to giving my first presentation of 2015 at Bethel Conference Centre West Bromwich. Titled “I can save a life” telling my story of losing my son Lee Spark and informing all delegates of the need for early intervention of NF…saving a fortune on NHS funds and saving […]

Bright & Breezy

Just love this weather…fills me up with lots of excitement and even more to do’s. Been sorting ..adding and documenting on this glorious day. What you might ask ? Well were having a WW2 theme Charity Ball this year in Blackpool..illuminations will be on which will make all guests even more excited. 17th October 2015 […]

Hot off the press !!!

Had our new ” I can save a life” USB pen delivery …literally..yes pens with our Educational Learning on them ( USB inserted at the end). (New concept from the old Educational DVD’s). Lighter to carry that’s marvelous in itself. How many times I have been let down by parcel companies is a nightmare. So with […]

That’s the way to do it !!!

19th March 2015 Travelling to Edinburgh with our Event Coordinator for a meeting with Paul Harrison from Fitwise Management Ltd..to discuss how we can raise awareness of our work by starting our own events. Really looking forward to this meeting lots of positive vibes …well actually there always are and definitely lots of to do’s […]

Old Diary

Sorting through some old paper work old diaries last night ..we all have them I guess like the rubbish draw in our kitchen !!! Anyway 2001 1st January read …very first cheque ready to deposit tomorrow into Lee’s Fund (as it was then)…..plus our website was first launched. Wow we have come along way….and still […]

Infection Prevention & Control Conference Looking forward to giving my first presentation of 2015 (17th March) at Bethel Conference Centre West Bromwich. Titled “I can save a life” telling my story of losing my son Lee Spark and informing all delegates of the need for early intervention of NF…saving a fortune on NHS funds and saving lives […]

Raising Awareness via blog

Well this is new to me ..I must confess I am not top of the class in IT, but with help from my friends today I am up and running. Raising Awareness of this terrible disease is my top priority ..on par to supporting survivors, bereaved, family and friends. Such an horrific infection that took […]