Former Hollyoaks star Sophie Austin has revealed she was recently hospitalised with sepsis as she recovered from another operation.
The 35-year-old TV actress – who has also appeared in EastEnders, Casualty and Call The Midwife – told fans on Instagram she has lost a lot of weight during the “scary” bout of illness as she paid tribute to the NHS for taking such good care of her.
Her fiancé Shayne Ward also expressed his gratitude on social media to NHS medics for “always being amazing” and nursing ‘his angel’ back to health.
“We are so lucky to have you,” the ex Corrie star wrote on Instagram.
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Reflecting on her dramatic experience with the condition – which can be life-threatening – Sophie explained she had had “a really crazy month”.
She wrote: “After having a routine operation and being on the mend so quickly, I took a little side road and ended up back in hospital with sepsis.
“After a long scary week and a lot of weight lost I’m home and I’m all good and ready for some good food!”
Thanking the NHS and staff of the hospital in Macclesfield that treated her, Sophie continued: “Their actions were so quick and I’m so so grateful!
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“Please let’s look after our health care system and protect them because they certainly try and look after us.”
Fans shocked at what she has endured were quick to send supportive comments in her direction, with some sharing very sad stories of their own and their families’ encounters with sepsis.
“So glad you’re on mend, what a scary time for you and your family,” commented one concerned fan.
“Omg hun, glad your much better, you look after yourself and take care,” remarked another relieved person.
Another person, noting the hoodie Sophie was wearing in the selfie to which she attached her caption, said: “You really are a real life Wonder Woman.”
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