A young man was forced to have both of his legs amputated just days before he celebrated his 21st birthday.
Levi Dewey became one of the sickest patients in the country, his parents were told, when he was struck down with a form of flu and pneumonia that later developed in sepsis.
The 20-year-old had previously led an active lifestyle, loving playing football, before he fell sick.
On December 7, he was desperately rushed to hospital after being struck down with illness.
The JCB welder was given a 30 per cent chance of surviving before his condition deteriorated and he went into sceptic shock and suffered multiple organ failure.
Doctors discovered that he was suffering from influenza B and pneumococcal pneumonia.
The sepsis he had contracted was so severe that the young man had to have both legs amputated below the knees yesterday.
Levi’s mum, Lara Dewey, 47, said: “We were told fairly early on that Levi could potentially lose his legs and need an operation, we were prepared for this outcome if it was to save his life.
“Obviously it’s going to be life-changing for everyone, but this is something we can work through as a family and we have such a strong and positive support network. Levi has always had a positive mindset and his glass is always half full.”
After taking a turn for the worse in Derby’s intensive therapy unit, Levi was transferred from Royal Derby to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester to receive ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and full organ support.
He spent 20 days on ECMA - 14 of which were in an induced coma. Levi was gradually taken off organ support and, after 31 days, he was taken off a ventilator.
Levi was moved back to Royal Derby for ongoing care on January 9. However his family were dealt another blow two days later and they were informed that due to the severity of his sepsis he had contracted, he would need below-knee amputation on both of his legs.
Now, his family is fundraising to help the young man walk again - and have already raised more than £70,000.
Child practitioner Lara told StokeonTrentLive: “Initially we were looking to raise £10,000 but as you can see this has been exceeded and the response has been extremely overwhelming. It’s overwhelming and emotional and we are all speechless. It’s amazing how supportive friends, family, colleagues, communities and also strangers have been towards this cause and also their generosity.
“Initially the money will be used to buy Levi a wheelchair and for home improvements, including ramps and showering facilities. Once he’s able to walk again we will look at buying him the best prosthetic limbs possible privately and any further equipment he will need.”
Anyone wanting to donate to the appeal can do so by visiting Levi’s GoFundMe page here.
