About us
The Lee Spark NF Foundation is the only registered charity based in the UK supporting all individuals who have been affected directly or indirectly by severe streptococcal infections or Necrotising fasciitis. It was formed after the sudden tragic and traumatic loss of 23 year old Lee Spark.
We identified a need to inform, support and represent the interests of patients and all individuals affected by this horrific disease.
Who is Lee Spark
Lee was a 23 year old man. He was handsome. he was tall 6ft 3″. A very kind and respectful human being that loved being around his family. He was a son to Dee Cartledge (founder) and son to Stephen Spark. He was a brother, nephew and he had four cousin’s who all idolised one another. He loved to pretend to interview people and was so keen to be a film producer. All that knew him enjoyed his character and his naive ways. He could fit in anywhere.
Here’s his nf story…
We lost Lee to this horrific disease at 9.45am on 6th October 1999. My son had been taken away from me in 3 days. Lee was a healthy 23 year old – lovely personality and quite naive. My younger son had phoned to say that Lee had flu and then 3 days later his partner phoned to say Lee had something more serious than flu. Lee was seriously ill and they had phoned for an ambulance. My youngest son was yelling in the background – he sounded like some sort of wild animal – he was hysterical.
My other son, his partner, Lee and grandson Lewis all lived in Sheffield. How awful at a time like this to live 100 miles away. Lee was rushed into Hallamshire Hospital – Sheffield. They were resuscitating him for sometime at his home and hospital. I phoned the hospital in disbelief as I only knew he had flu!
What was the problem? The staff at A & E asked me to phone 15 minutes later, and to have a sweet cup of tea and something to eat. By this time I was in shock and was fainting every time I stood on my feet.
Twenty minutes later I phoned the hospital and found out that he had died. The staff nurse asked if I wanted to speak to my other son – we could only cry together. I eventually said “Go back home. I will see you there.”
We will never, never forget that morning as long as we live. We then awaited the post mortem results and we were told Lee had died of a Strep Milleri infection – from an abscess in his gum – developing into Necrotising Fasciitis.
What on earth is this we asked, after lots of questions fired at the professionals. I asked for some literature and the name of a support group that I could speak to. None were available.
Therefore I launched the support group in January 2000. My first survivor contacted me in May 2000. What a thrill it was to talk to her. I desperately hung on to every word she said.
The support group has gone from strength to strength, as has my love for Lee.
Doreen Cartledge
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Meet our founder
Through the personal loss of her son, Lee Spark, from the horrific infection Necrotising fasciitis in October 1999, Doreen has campaigned endlessly to raise awareness by giving lectures including statistics and survey results from survivors and bereaved in order to raise awareness Necrotising Fasciitis and increase support for its victims.
Our mission
To help the lives of those affected by and those treating necrotising fasciitis and other severe streptococcal infections.
Our charity
The Lee Spark NF Foundation 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.
Our aims
- Support those affected and their families
- Educate the medical profession and general public
- promote research into prevention and treatment
- Promote recognition of the early signs and symptoms of necrotising fasciitis and severe streptococcal infectio
- Highlight the causes, effects, treatment and management of this horrific disease.
Information and support
What is Necrotising Fasciitis (NF)
As the only support group for people who have been affected by severe streptococcal infections or necrotising fasciitis, we have an array of information about what NF is as well as the causes and treatments.
Coping with Necrotising Fasciitis
We have a great library of information and links to help you if you are coping with the aftermath of Necrotising Fasciitis, whether you suffered directly or are supporting someone as a family, friend or professional.
Our blog
Discover Adventure: Turn Your Next Adventure Into a Lifeline
Have you ever dreamt of trekking the Yorkshire Three Peaks, walking the Great Wall of China, or cycling from London to Paris? We are thrilled to announce that The Lee Spark NF Foundation has officially partnered with Discover Adventure: one of the UK’s leading...
Introducing Counselling Support for the NF Community
At The Lee Spark NF Foundation, we know that surviving Necrotising Fasciitis—or supporting a loved one through it—is only part of the journey. The physical recovery is often followed by a complex emotional road, where trauma, PTSD, and grief can feel overwhelming to...
Look Good, Do Good: Why Supporting Us Through Merchandise Matters
At The Lee Spark NF Foundation, we are often asked: "How can I help if I don't have time to volunteer or the stamina for a marathon?" The answer is simple, stylish, and sitting right in our shop! Choosing to buy our merchandise is one of the easiest ways to make a...