Football legend Harry Redknapp shares wife’s ‘terrifying’ health story in new sepsis campaign

Harry Redknapp has launched a campaign for sepsis awareness after his wife Sandra was treated in hospital for the condition in 2018

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has spearheaded a sepsis awareness initiative following his wife Sandra’s ‘terrifying’ brush with the life-threatening condition.

The 78 year old ex-I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! champion is leading the It’s Game On For Sepsis drive for the UK Sepsis Trust, after Sandra received emergency hospital treatment back in 2018.

Redknapp explained: “In 2018, my wife Sandra developed sepsis from a kidney infection. It was a terrifying experience – but we were lucky. She survived; 48,000 families across the UK aren’t as fortunate.

“That’s why I’ve teamed up with the UK Sepsis Trust to get lifesaving information in front of as many people as possible.” The It’s Game On For Sepsis initiative features the Sepsis Savvy Shootout, an interactive online game offering participants the chance to win a meeting with Redknapp.

Dr Ron Daniels, founder and chief medical officer of the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST), commented: “Sports communities look after one another and rally around those in need. It’s this very ethos that inspired the idea for our Game On campaign.

“The likelihood is that someone in your community has already been impacted by sepsis, whether directly or indirectly, and at UKST we’re committed to raising awareness of this life-changing condition.

“We’re delighted to have Harry supporting our campaign – our goal is to empower every community to become sepsis savvy.”

According to the trust, sepsis claims 48,000 lives in the UK each year, with 245,000 people affected annually by this condition that can lead to multiple organ failure.

The NHS explains that sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, causing damage to its own tissues and organs. The symptoms of sepsis can be difficult to identify as they often resemble those of flu and chest infections.

Anyone suspecting they or someone else may have sepsis should immediately call 999 or head to A&E.

The cut-off date for entering the prize draw is 30 September, but the game will continue to be available on the charity’s website as an educational resource.

Redknapp kicked off his career in 1965, playing for teams such as West Ham United and Bournemouth before hanging up his boots in the early 1980s. He then transitioned into management, leading clubs including Spurs, West Ham, Southampton and Portsmouth, where he steered the team to a surprise FA Cup victory in 2008.

He and his wife Sandra have two sons, one of whom is former England footballer Jamie Redknapp, now a pundit on Sky Sports. Redknapp is also uncle to Coventry City manager Frank Lampard, another former England player.