Losing a sister is one of the hardest things anyone can go through, but Croxley resident Maria is using her heartbreak to make a difference.
Aged 30, Maria’s sister Gina Campanini went into Watford General Hospital with a chest infection. Just six days later, she sadly passed away from sepsis.
Maria is now running one half marathon every month of 2025 to raise money for The UK Sepsis Trust, finishing with a marathon in December on what would have been Gina’s birthday.
The races will all take place in areas that have significant meaning for Gina.
The family hope that by sharing Gina’s story, they will help people to understand sepsis and learn the symptoms.
The Campanini family and friends have so far raised £22,000 for The UK Sepsis Trust. Maria hopes to double this total in 2025.
Maria’s most recent run was the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday, February 2, in the town where her sister used to teach.
Yvonne Campanini, Gina’s mother, shared: “Gina was a wonderful person. Beautiful inside and out, a dedicated teacher, a beautiful singer, the centre of our family, with a kindness and caring nature that few have. We miss her every minute of every day.”
Speaking to CROXLEYnews, Maria said: “Gina was 30, perfectly healthy, a primary school teacher with her whole life ahead of her. In her name, I hope 2025 will be full of impact.
“I miss my sister every minute of every day. If we had known about sepsis, about the speed at which it takes hold, things may have been different.
“There are three main misconceptions: sepsis only happens as a result of an infected wound, sepsis only affects people who are already unwell, sepsis only affects elderly people.
“Gina proves there are exceptions. She was fit, healthy, a gym-goer with an amazing diet. She never smoked, never drank alcohol.
“A sister is a best friend since birth, the person who understands you best and loves you most. Words cannot express the agony of losing her.
“My mission is to raise awareness of sepsis in Gina’s name. One day, I hope that someone will tap me on the shoulder and say, ‘Gina saved my life’.”
The symptoms of sepsis include acting confused, slurred speech, a rash, difficulty breathing, and blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
To donate, visit www.shorturl.at/o1SCg
Keep up to date with Maria’s running challenge on Instagram @ForGiniForEver.
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