Family's heartbreak after death of Sheffield dad from sepsis just two weeks after Christmas

Dan Hallam with partner Ayesha Heaton and daughter Joy Credit: Family photograph

The family of a father from Sheffield who died just two weeks after falling ill on Christmas Day are campaigning to raise awareness of the symptoms of sepsis.

Dan Hallam, 43, thought he was coming down with flu as he opened presents with his nine-year-old daughter, Joy, on Christmas Day.

But by Boxing Day he was on life support and later had to have his legs amputated. Within two weeks he had lost his fight for life.

The last picture of Dan Hallam and daughter Joy, taken on Christmas Day Credit: Family photograph

His mother Marie said: "He was very, very special."To me he was the world's best son and one in a million and I feel very privileged to have him for the time I've had him but I would have liked him a lot, lot longer."

Sepsis kills around 45,000 people in the UK every year – more than breast cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Mr Hallam's family say many deaths could be prevented if the symptoms were better known.

"We have to start telling Dan's story," Marie said.

"There are more people out there that have experienced the same thing and people shouldn't be going through this. Families shouldn't be going through this. Children shouldn't be losing their parents. More awareness is needed.

"It's really important we do this because no-one should ever, ever suffer from this terrible disease or died the most horrible death from this awful Sepsis. It's horrendous."

Early symptoms of sepsis can include:

  • a fever or low body temperature

  • chills and shivering

  • a fast heartbeat

  • fast breathing

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