Hereford family's tribute to dad a year after his death

Karl Parker, 61, was from Hereford and lived in Ross-on-Wye for many years. In September 2023, the father-of-six died after a battle with life-threatening sepsis, a condition caused by serious infection.

An old family photo of the Parkers (Image: Sepsis Research Feat) His daughter Lisa Parker arranged a walk from Harewood End to Ross-on-Wye to raise money for Sepsis Research Feat.

The walk finished at the Hope and Anchor pub with an event including a raffle to raise extra funds.

Among those taking part were Miss Parker and her sister Kelly, as well as friends and their children. Richard Annison even dressed as Elvis, Mr Parker's favourite singer, for the occasion.

The family completed the charity walk on September 14 (Image: Lisa Parker) Miss Parker said: "It was the one-year anniversary of my beloved dad's passing. We wanted to do something in his memory and to raise money and awareness.

"We feel really passionate about making people aware of this awful life-threatening condition.

"We don't want families going through what we experienced with my dad and how sepsis took him so quickly.

Karl Parker with two Elvis impersonators (Image: Sepsis Research Feat) "It's broken our hearts forever as he was the most amazing dad who didn't deserve to go in such a horrible tragedy. Who knows, if I knew more about the condition, I could have helped my dad sooner. This is why it's so vital for us to help Sepsis Research Feat.

"With the donations from the walk and raffle, so far we have raised over £500. People can continue to donate to the Just Giving page."

Miss Parker said that until her father contracted a leg infection in 2023, he was otherwise healthy.

Three weeks later, he was found sleepy and unresponsive in his home and was rushed to hospital. He had a very high temperature and heart rate.

Sadly Mr Parker never regained consciousness and, after a two-week battle in intensive care, he suffered organ failure and died.

ALSO READ:

• House plan for this Herefordshire building
• Maxine Peake’s partner’s plans at farm
• Smoking ban UK: Hereford pub landlords speak out

The key sepsis symptoms to look out for are a high or low temperature, shivering, confusion, passing little urine and blotchy or cold arms and legs.

Someone suffering with sepsis might not show all of these symptoms at once. On their own, some of these symptoms can be an indication of other health problems, but a combination of two or more, becoming progressively worse, means medical attention is urgently needed.

Sufferers of suspected sepsis should call 999 or go straight to their nearest accident and emergency unit.