Actor Jason Watkins and wife Clara Francis, a jewellery and fashion designer, have spoken about their grief and regret over the death of two-year-old daughter Maudie. Jason and Clara were speaking to Susanna Reid and Adil Ray on Thursday's Good Morning Britain as they discussed new ITV documentary Jason & Clara: In Memory of Maudie.
Jason and Clara lost their daughter to sepsis in 2011. They explained they weren't aware of the symptoms of sepsis before Maude died.
Jason said: "It's hard for us as parents, that's one of the painful things did we go everything that we did and it's easy to blame yourself, well I still do because I was there when she was discharged a second time."
"I think we always will because it is that instinct thing, 'If I had just been more demanding,' even though I didn't know [Maudie was suffering from sepsis]," Clara added.
"It's a cruel condition," Clara continued before saying it's "not fair on parents" to expect them to recognise the signs of sepsis on their own.
Clara said: "You never get over it but somehow you find a way of carrying them through."
Maudie died at age two after contracting sepsis (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Susanna asked the parents what Maudie was like with Justin saying: "She was extraordinary, full of life, full of joy, I find it difficult going back to the joy because I'm filled with the trauma of her loss."
Jason found his daughter dead in her bed on New Year's Day after suffering from flu symptoms. Despite two hospital visits, Maude's flu symptoms masked the sepsis and her condition went undiagnosed.
The couple have now decided to share their story in Jason & Clara: In Memory of Maudie. Clara and Jason are now campaigning for better awareness of recognising the signs of sepsis and offer support to couples who have suffered bereavement in their new documentary.
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection. It can lead to organ failure and tissue damage, and without prompt treatment, sepsis can progress to septic shock, which is a medical emergency with a high risk of death.
Sepsis occurs when the body's immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight an infection. These chemicals can cause widespread inflammation, which can lead to the formation of blood clots and damage to the body's organs. Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion, and low blood pressure.
Sepsis can occur in anyone, but it is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, infants, and people with chronic medical conditions. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you or someone else may have sepsis.
Jason & Clara: In Memory of Maudie airs on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at childbereavementuk.org or you can call them on 0800 02 888 40.
