A GRIEVING family is campaigning to raise awareness about sepsis after tragically losing their father to the condition.

Ken Donald died on July 15 last year four days after being admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee.

The family spoke out on the tenth anniversary of World Sepsis Day, held on September 13 every year, to raise awareness of a life-threatening condition which sees the body attack itself in response to an infection.

His wife, Margaret, 66, and daughters, Claire and Gill Donald, aged 45 and 42, were concerned after Ken had not been eating, drinking or passing urine.

Ken had undergone several previous knee replacement operations and started complaining of pain and swelling in his legs in May. Following a GP appointment an infection was diagnosed and he was prescribed antibiotics.

Gill said: “Dad had undergone a number of knee replacements over the years but was still relatively fit and healthy especially for his age.

He remained active and really enjoyed playing bowls three or four times a week. The club was his second home."

Towards the end of May, Ken and Claire spoke to a GP, concerned that his condition was deteriorating and his legs were bleeding. The pair told the doctor that Ken was also shivering despite warm weather and had to sit with a blanket on to keep warm.

She said: “He was still independent; he was driving and could do anything he wished to until he developed his infection.

"Following that he wasn’t the same person. He struggled to walk and was in so much pain which seemed to get worse."

The family said Ken’s condition continued to worsen. On June 21, he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. He was unable to move his leg and was sleeping a lot.

His daughter said: "Seeing Dad towards the end as his organs started to shut down was awful. It’s something that will stay with us forever.

“Following his death we started reading more about sepsis and realised how dangerous it is.

“We just hope that by sharing our story we can help make others aware of the symptoms of sepsis and how important early treatment is.”

Ken died from multiple organ failure caused by sepsis. Signs of sepsis include slurred speech, confusion, extreme shivering and muscle pain, passing no urine in a day, severe breathlessness and mottled or discoloured skin.

The father of two was a member of Droitwich Spa Vines Bowling Club. Following his death his family are arranging to have a memorial bench at the club in his honour.