“Sepsis develops so quickly and I want others to be aware,” said Natalie-Anne Rowlett, mother of 13-year-old Felicity-Jo, who recently emerged from a two-week coma. Felicity-Jo was placed in a coma due to septic shock stemming from undiagnosed bowel scarring.
Initially treated for abdominal cramps and vomiting at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Felicity-Jo was discharged after doctors suspected gastroenteritis. However, on March 15, her condition worsened, leading to a collapse in extreme pain and a subsequent transfer to Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
At Burnley, doctors discovered that Felicity-Jo had congenital adhesions in her bowel, which caused a life-threatening obstruction. She underwent two emergency surgeries to remove portions of her bowel and was placed on life support for 14 days in the pediatric intensive care unit.
As of mid-April 2026, Felicity-Jo has taken her first steps in recovery. However, she now faces a permanent regimen of blood thinners due to two diagnosed blood clots and must use a stoma bag following her surgeries.
“I’m not a doctor but I felt it wasn’t right. You know your own child,” Natalie-Anne emphasized, reflecting on her daughter’s rapid decline. Her experience highlights the critical need for awareness around sepsis, a violent immune response that can damage the body’s organs.
The Rowlett family is now advocating for increased awareness about the dangers of sepsis, urging parents to trust their instincts when it comes to their children’s health. “The lesson is not panic over every case of vomiting or abdominal pain,” a medical expert noted, stressing the importance of understanding the underlying issues.
Felicity-Jo’s condition was linked to previously undiagnosed congenital scarring in the bowel, which complicates the narrative of her treatment and recovery. Natalie-Anne’s warnings serve as a reminder of the hidden dangers that can lie beneath seemingly benign symptoms.
As Felicity-Jo continues her recovery journey, her family hopes to raise awareness and prevent similar situations for other families. The urgency of their message is clear: be vigilant and informed about the signs of sepsis.
