Helping those whose lives have been affected by necrotising fasciitis
Welcome to The Lee Spark NF Foundation
The Mission
The mission of The Lee Spark Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) Foundation is to help those whose lives have been affected by necrotising fasciitis and other severe streptococcal infections and medical staff who are involved with investigating, diagnosing and treating NF.
Our aims are to:
- support the families and those affected,
- educate the medical profession and the general public,
- promote recognition of the early signs and symptoms of necrotising fasciitis and severe streptococcal infection,
- highlight the causes, effects, treatment and management of this horrific disease and
- promote research into prevention and treatment.
Our charity
Our charity was established in January 2000 by Doreen Cartledge following the loss of her son to this dreadful disease. Doreen realised the need to give support to those people forced to deal with NF both personally and professionally.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us.
Fundraising is a vital part towards the running of our charity and every penny raised is gratefully received.
The Lee Spark NF Foundation is the United Kingdom’s only support group for people who have been affected by severe streptococcal infections or necrotising fasciitis and has helped thousands of sufferers, relatives and medical staff from organisations around the world.
Latest News
Meet the Team – Our Patron, Alex Lewis!
Alex Lewis Patron I’m delighted to have been invited by Doreen to become a Patron of The Lee Spark NF Foundation Doreen and I first crossed paths around 6 years ago when I had just been released from my seven months in hospital and I had arrived home as a triple amputee. Strep A did […]
Support with anxieties or PTSD
A reminder that we offer support for those struggling with anxieties or PTSD. Our survivor Becky is on-hand to offer one-on-one support if you find yourself having mental health issues after contracting necrotizing fasciitis. Many survivors find the mental recovery is as challenging as the physical, so please do reach out if you want to […]
Supporting The Lee Spark NF Foundation!
Now the winter is hitting you’ll be needing one of our beautiful hoodies to keep you warm! 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 Take a look! Each hoodie is £20 + postage […]
Mum cuts head on oven door and nearly dies after contracting NF
Mum’s horror: “I slipped on the floor & cut my head on oven door – then I got a flesh-eating bug which ATE my face, I nearly died” Four 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 […]
Sending our love and compassion
Our post today and indeed our thoughts are about love and compassion. Love and compassion for all the bereaved, this sad uncomfortable time is planted in every individuals life’s journey. COVID-19 has affected many families. Those lives lost have drained those bereaved for not being able to love and to comfort our loved ones. Just […]
Seasons Greetings!
Seasons greetings from all of us here at The Lee Spark NF Foundation. We wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2021! We also wanted to say a huge ‘Thank You!’ for all of your support, through fundraising, donations and raising awareness. Even though 2020 has been a very difficult year in […]
The Lee Spark NF Foundation & Medical Research
One of the aims of The Lee Spark Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) Foundation is to help the medical profession gain a better understanding of how NF develops, how it can be identified early, and how it can be treated. We were selected to be part of a five year EU programme working with seven European countries. […]
Another day, another Streptococcus working party!
We were excited yesterday to take part in the latest Group A Streptococcus working party. Working alongside the fantastic Marina Morgan and the Healthcare Infection Society, we were proud to represent our survivors and families of the bereaved of NF. Our place on the group is to make sure that the patient experience is considered […]
Devon mum whose daughter survived nf supports shoebox appeal
A Devon mum whose daughter developed nf (flesh-eating bug) on Christmas Day is backing RD&E shoebox appeal The impact coronavirus will have on family Christmases in Devon this year pales into insignificance when compared with children who have to spend Christmas in hospital. Last Christmas Day, Cranbrook mum-of-two Kate Jones had to rush her then […]
2nd Annual Group A Strep Working Group
We were hugely honoured to be invited back to this year’s Group A Strep Working Group. Due to COVID-19, the meeting was held on-line and this proved an effective way for us all to meet. It was fascinating to hear the updates from experts and professionals in the scientific world, and our role there was […]
How a grazed elbow nearly killed me – Steve’s story 4 years on
4 years ago Steve Humphrey had no idea that a grazed elbow would nearly kill him. In July 2016, father-of-one Steve Humphreys slipped at the bottom of his stairs. It was only a small stumble but it marked the beginning of a medical emergency which nearly cost him his life. “It was such an insignificant […]
Nathan and Dean’s 189 Wheelchair Challenge
Nathan Penfold and Dean Cha are travelling 189 in an incredible wheelchair challenge to raise money for us! “Myself Nathan Penfold and my close friend Dean Sheldon Cha are going to travel 189 miles from my town to his town. We are doing this in our self propelled wheelchairs to raise money for The Lee […]
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 […]
Experiences of necrotizing fasciitis – Robin’s story
Robin’s Story of Necrotizing Fasciitis I developed Nf in August 2014 in my shoulder. Initially I had severe pain in my right shoulder. As this week progressed, I developed some discolouration to my chest, shoulder and upper arm. I was also starting to feel physically sick and unable to leave my flat. My dad drove […]
Experiences of necrotizing fasciitis – Liesi’s story
Liesi’s Story of Necrotizing Fasciitis I was 46 years old when I had the most horrendous experience of my life. I had been bitten on my right hand by my friends rescue dog causing a small puncture to my hand. I went for a tetanus injection but my hand continued to swell really badly and […]
Mum of 3 has her leg amputated but survives necrotizing fasciitis
A mum-of-three reveals she had to have her leg amputated after contracting necrotizing fasciitis. Josie Wendel, 28, shared her incredible story in a series of 16 TikTok videos, explaining that she became an amputee less than 24 hours after she started feeling sick and had a total of 28 surgeries in less than two months. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]